I have a lame hen and can not figure out the problem.

[Waffle Wattles]

All chickens were fine when I let them out in the morning. Then in the afternoon I noticed a hen that couldn't stand and was hobbling around.


It appeared she was favoring the left leg so I examined her right leg and the pad is a bit swollen so I cleaned both feet and soaked in Epsom salts because I thought maybe it is bumblefoot.


Well, that was four days ago and I'm not extracting anything.


She leans to her left and just refuses to stand. She does not show discomfort when I manipulate her legs. It almost seems like a nervous system issue.


For the first 2 days she had very sticky black poop, like tar. She is now having solid rounds, but she isn't eating or drinking much. She did lay an egg two days ago.


I'm keeping her inside my home in a brood cage.


She flaps her wings well, though is otherwise calm. Her eyes are clear. She makes some mournful sounds.


I've been using Prid and soaking but not seeing any real signs of bumble.


Does this sound like anything to anyone? Next stop is the vet but thats a big time chunk for me so hoping to get an idea before slaying a half day.
Thank you!

 

[Ebony Rose]

Any chance of posting a round of pictures of her? Posture while she's standing/walking, close up pictures of her entire head featuring each eye and nare (nostril). If possible, a picture of the inside of her mouth with as clear a shot down her throat as you can get. A vent shot. Pictures of her legs both top side and bottom side including her feet. A top down picture of your girl while she's not being held. And.... a picture or three of her poop.

Since you'll be handling her anyway for the leg/foot pictures; rub a clean light colored rag under her wings and at the base of her tail. Inspecting the rag, you should find that it's dirty which is fine, but if the dirt is MOVING then you've got a parasitic infestation.

These photographs will help folks with experience spot such problems as leg mites, bumblefoot, respiratory issues, infection, asceites, egg binding, sometimes worms... etc.

In the meantime, I'll pray for you and your feathered family.

 

[Waffle Wattles]

Any chance of posting a round of pictures of her? Posture while she's standing/walking, close up pictures of her entire head featuring each eye and nare (nostril). If possible, a picture of the inside of her mouth with as clear a shot down her throat as you can get. A vent shot. Pictures of her legs both top side and bottom side including her feet. A top down picture of your girl while she's not being held. And.... a picture or three of her poop.

Since you'll be handling her anyway for the leg/foot pictures; rub a clean light colored rag under her wings and at the base of her tail. Inspecting the rag, you should find that it's dirty which is fine, but if the dirt is MOVING then you've got a parasitic infestation.

These photographs will help folks with experience spot such problems as leg mites, bumblefoot, respiratory issues, infection, asceites, egg binding, sometimes worms... etc.

In the meantime, I'll pray for you and your feathered family.

Thank you, let me try. The last time I tried to upload pictures it didn't work. I have a few hours of chores right now, but will return and attempt the pics.

 

[Waffle Wattles]

this is the right foot

 

[Waffle Wattles]

this is the left foot

 

[Waffle Wattles]

 

[Waffle Wattles]

Her backside

 

[Waffle Wattles]

this is how she sits and basically stays like this

 

[Waffle Wattles]

Hobbling back to cage

 

[Waffle Wattles]

something more than just her foot seems to be bothering her.

I wonder if the rooster hurt her by accident. He is twice her size