Hello all! I've posted in the past about my chicken, Lucy, and the very, very, very hot day. Well, we seem to have another issue with Lucy and I'm hoping to gain some advice!
Last Thursday my husband found Lucy laying down in the run with one of her wings out and not walking around or doing anything. Given our past experience with her, my husband assumed she was having issues with the hot weather again so he pulled her out and watered her down. She seemed alert and would eat and drink during this time. When she tried to get up to walk, however, her right foot was curled under (point your arm towards the ground and curl your fingers up, to give you the visual) and she would stumble. Her left leg and foot are perfectly fine. When she would stand, it was obvious that she was putting the majority of her weight on her left leg and, at times, conscientiously uncurl her toes and straighten out her right foot, but still not put weight on it.
Naturally, over the last few days we have been watching her and she has stopped with curling her foot under, but it's very tender for her to put weight on her right foot/leg and will try to hop around on her left foot/leg only. Still spends most of her time laying down, of course.
I have checked the bottom of both feet for any cuts or swelling, etc. Both feet look good and she doesn't exhibit any discomfort when I apply gentle pressure. I'm wondering if there is something with her hip, but I'm not experienced in knowing what to feel or look for.
Other than this issue, she is alert, eating and drinking water and seems perfectly fine. Thank you for any help and advice!
Last Thursday my husband found Lucy laying down in the run with one of her wings out and not walking around or doing anything. Given our past experience with her, my husband assumed she was having issues with the hot weather again so he pulled her out and watered her down. She seemed alert and would eat and drink during this time. When she tried to get up to walk, however, her right foot was curled under (point your arm towards the ground and curl your fingers up, to give you the visual) and she would stumble. Her left leg and foot are perfectly fine. When she would stand, it was obvious that she was putting the majority of her weight on her left leg and, at times, conscientiously uncurl her toes and straighten out her right foot, but still not put weight on it.
Naturally, over the last few days we have been watching her and she has stopped with curling her foot under, but it's very tender for her to put weight on her right foot/leg and will try to hop around on her left foot/leg only. Still spends most of her time laying down, of course.
I have checked the bottom of both feet for any cuts or swelling, etc. Both feet look good and she doesn't exhibit any discomfort when I apply gentle pressure. I'm wondering if there is something with her hip, but I'm not experienced in knowing what to feel or look for.
Other than this issue, she is alert, eating and drinking water and seems perfectly fine. Thank you for any help and advice!
