Is tail down when...................

[Country4ever]

I noticed that one of my 9 year old easter-eggers was limping badly. I'm thinking she might have hurt it falling off the roost. I really do need to lower that thing. Anyhow, I've also noticed that her tail is alot lower than normal. I've checked her over well and she doesn't have bumblefoot, doesn't seem to get upset when I move her legs, has a soft belly, normal crop, normal eating and she's even laying alot of eggs. My question is: Do they lower their tails even when its something like a sprain?

I put her in a dog crate, so she wouldn't use the leg much. She immediately began resting and seems quite content to not move around much at all.
Thanks.

 

[WallTenters]

If she is limping she might be using her tail in a lower position to offset her weight. They will hold their tails down when suffering - be it pain or sickness, so it may just be behavioral. Good luck with her, make sure you lower that roost or take it out completely - a hen that age is much more prone to broken/fractured bones from jumping off a roost.

 

[Country4ever]

Thanks Walltenters!
I'm trying to figure out a very low roost system. I should have it up in a couple days. I left it higher (its a ladder-type) because it allows them to sit in front of the window, and they love that. But now that they are older, its just too much of a risk. I should have done it before now. Thanks again!