Lame hen I cannot diagnose

[Heidi Lee]

Hello. My 5-month-old Wyandotte is suddenly holding one leg off the ground -- this just started today. Yesterday she was reluctant to leave the coop and today she did not leave it at all. I have her in a cage in the house now. I do not see signs of mites, bumble foot, or injury, and she is eating. I got my whole flock of 12 from Tractor Supply, which means they might not have been vaccinated:

I think I read somewhere on this site that TS does not vaccinate but I cannot confirm that. If so, my hen might have Marek's, yes? What can you tell me, if anything, from this photo? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Welcome to BYC

My first thought was a sprain or injury to the leg.
Good move on bringing her in, if it is a sprain, the less she moves the faster her leg will heal.

I know she is eating... is she drinking? Is her poop normal?

 

[Eggcessive]

Usually when one holds their leg up, it is more a sign that the foot or leg is injured. Can you see any black scab or cuts on the foot pad? Is there any swelling, redness, green bruising on the entire leg? Pictures of the leg or foot may help. Confining her to a dog crate or pen with food and water for a few days to force rest might be a good idea.

 

[Hei 20]

Hello. My 5-month-old Wyandotte is suddenly holding one leg off the ground -- this just started today. Yesterday she was reluctant to leave the coop and today she did not leave it at all. I have her in a cage in the house now. I do not see signs of mites, bumble foot, or injury, and she is eating. I got my whole flock of 12 from Tractor Supply, which means they might not have been vaccinated: View attachment 2395980I think I read somewhere on this site that TS does not vaccinate but I cannot confirm that. If so, my hen might have Marek's, yes? What can you tell me, if anything, from this photo? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Heidi Lee]

Many thanks for your warm welcomes and your speedy replies. It was very helpful to hear from you. I think you are right -- she seems to have an injury, not a disease, and needs to rest inside. Today she is finally putting a little weight on her leg. She's still holding it up most of the time though so I'll give her a few more days. Bringing one of her sisters in to snuggle with her at night seems to make her feel better too.

I had no idea how lovable chickens would be. ☺