Injured leg

[jetmek94]

Yesterday morning my one year old Australorp hen came out of the coop limping. My guess she injured her leg coming off the roosting bar which is 12 inches in height. She is a big bird and realizing now I should have had a lower bar for her. I put her in her own space in the garage. I moistened an all flock feed and put some nitrate drench in her water. She did eat and drink as well as poop. She was able to hobble around. I did take her out to be with the other girls and carried her from place to place. Which I probably should not have done ugh! I placed in a dog kennel to sleep the this am made her fresh moist food which she did eat. She has not drank water yet. I’m hoping the moist food will help keep her hydrated. I place a splint on her ankle or upper leg. I think that’s where the injury is? There is no bone sticking out and her scales are all intact. I just done know where the injury is. The pad on that foot seems swollen with no sores If it is sprained, dislocated or broken ugh!! I will keep her in the garage of course. I took some pics if anyone has any ideas? No vet care available for her.

 

[alinas2010]

Her foot pad does seem swollen. Can you post some pics of the bottoms of her feet? Did you feel higher up her leg for anything out of place or swollen?

She may just need time off of it. Placing her in a kennel as you have to restrict movement is good. Watch the splint carefully that it doesn’t slip or isn’t too tight.

 

[jetmek94]

Her foot pad does seem swollen. Can you post some pics of the bottoms of her feet? Did you feel higher up her leg for anything out of place or swollen?

She may just need time off of it. Placing her in a kennel as you have to restrict movement is good. Watch the splint carefully that it doesn’t slip or isn’t too tight.

Sorry I’m in the pic ugh! Should I take the splint I don’t know what I’m looking for to be honest. I’m not sure if it’s toe, foot leg hip.

 

[alinas2010]

you’re okay, they can be tough to get to cooperate lol Is there anything in any of the crevices of her feet? Like this area?

Leg injuries can be tough to figure out sometimes. Really you’d just want to look for anything swollen, bruised or different feeling from another chicken. But even then I know it’s tough to discern. So since her foot pad seems to be a bit swollen, it leads me to think that maybe she has a cut or bumblefoot somewhere but we just have to find it. Cuts and bumblefoot can cause limping, so it would fit. But still check the rest of her leg out as best you can. I don’t think I would keep the splint on, just bc we don’t know for sure what is going on, but if you’re comfortable and vigilant about it, it is up to you if you want to leave it for now.

 

[jetmek94]

you’re okay, they can be tough to get to cooperate lol Is there anything in any of the crevices of her feet? Like this area?
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Leg injuries can be tough to figure out sometimes. Really you’d just want to look for anything swollen, bruised or different feeling from another chicken. But even then I know it’s tough to discern. So since her foot pad seems to be a bit swollen, it leads me to think that maybe she has a cut or bumblefoot somewhere but we just have to find it. Cuts and bumblefoot can cause limping, so it would fit. But still check the rest of her leg out as best you can. I don’t think I would keep the splint on, just bc we don’t know for sure what is going on, but if you’re comfortable and vigilant about it, it is up to you if you want to leave it for now.

I think its the top of her foot above her middle toe. I don't think she is able to put pressure on it. I've been trying to investigate but I think it is painful for her as she starts to pant then I just have to leave her alone for awhile. It is becoming stressful for me. I moisten her food to try and keep her hydrated she won't drink water for me. She has only pooped twice to day. She wants to get up and go. It breaks my heart. I did take the splint off. The first time I put it on the wrong leg lol its not funny but shoot. My daughters tell me to just leave her alone and maybe they are right. Thanks for your help. I will keep working on it.

 

[alinas2010]

It could be a sprain or strain of her toe, that would make sense, too.

Some chickens do terrible without their flock mates and won’t eat or drink away from them. It’s hard to say what is right to do because we aren’t sure what the problem is. You could put her with the flock and observe her and see if she eats or drinks with them for the day. I know that doesn’t restrict her movement but maybe it is something that she will self limit with.

I know these things are tough to figure out. Keep an eye on her and let us know how she does.