Injured Chicken

[BJD]

On May 8th we purchased 4 Barnevelder's and 2 Swedish Ducks. About a month in, one of the Barnevelders got beat up, probably by the ducks which were 3 times their size by then. If I had to guess I'd say dislocated left hip. We've kept her separated now for about 3-4 weeks. She walks with a hesitant gate but often her wings droop too. She's behind in development from the other Barnevelders with her feathers just now getting fully fledged. Her eating and drinking seem good. We have her in a separate area in the run so the others can't attack her. As newbie chicken people are we being too worried? Any other thoughts on things we should be doing? Thank you.

 

[azygous]

Probably a slow to heal sprain. You can give vitamin B complex to strengthen the leg, and one 81 grain chewable aspirin twice a day for pain.

 

[BJD]

Thank you for the suggestions. We are (obviously) new to chickens and it's hard watching her struggle. We figured out yesterday a bit of feed and a cracked aspirin in the palm of your hand will get them down. Never knew how sweet a chicken can be, she's really attached from all the TLC we've been giving her.

 

[BJD]

I suppose it is cathartic to finish the story of our little Barnevelder: Baba. It has been two months since we isolated her and she never got better, only more attached to us and vice-versa. We tried the sling, we tried aspirin but she never got so she could walk. She used her wings like crutches. We brought her out on the lawn for exercise. We kept hoping it would improve but it wasn't until my sister-in-law told us we were only keeping her alive for us. We both held her, you can see her nearly asleep in my hand. Please withhold any criticism, I am still crying over her.

 

[Weeg]

I am so sorry for your loss. I bet she was so sweet, you did the best you could.

 

[azygous]

Many of us have needed to do what you did to relieve the suffering of one of our chickens. It's never an easy decision, and it would be a rare thing for one of us to criticize you for this compassionate act, which in the big picture, is the responsible thing to do.