Limping 1yr old RIR hen

[chickenpotter]

I see no signs of bumble foot . What else should I look for? Just noticed the limping today. I watch my hens closely, so I'm sure this is new.

 

[Eggcessive]

Check for swelling or redness of the joints on her foot and leg. Look for bruising which could be a broken bone. More than likely, she has sprained or leg by jumping off the roost. This can require a couple of weeks of limited activity, which can rest the leg.

 

[chickenpotter]

Check for swelling or redness of the joints on her foot and leg. Look for bruising which could be a broken bone. More than likely, she has sprained or leg by jumping off the roost. This can require a couple of weeks of limited activity, which can rest the leg.

Thanks- I'll check her over carefully today. How do I limit her movement?

 

[Eggcessive]

Placing her in a dog crate or cage with food and water inside the coop or run would be best. I use a cage or I use this contraption where I can cover the top with bird netting to keep them from jumping out. It comes apart for storage.

 

[chickenpotter]

Placing her in a dog crate or cage with food and water inside the coop or run would be best. I use a cage or I use this contraption where I can cover the top with bird netting to keep them from jumping out. It comes apart for storage.

Thanks- I have a moveable run that I can use. I'll keep her confined for a few days and see if she improves.

 

[Blulaced Damsel]

Wait-- do you have MY CHICKEN????

I had the exact same situation- lame RIR hen- she was about 2 years old. Never showed signs of injury just was severely limping one day. I limited her exercise through confinement for a couple of weeks, but that only made the limp barely better. She was a SPITFIRE! So she had no trouble with any of the others bothering her or hen pecking. In fact THE OPPOSITE!! I ended up rehoming her because she took an entire 8 feet of roost to herself... there simply wasn't enough roost space for her to have an entire one to herself... what a BULLY! Going on two years of being a gimpy hen and she doesn't seem to care one bit- happy at her new home and just as ornery with the new flock of chickens she lives with.
When she runs she looks like she is a tiny two legged, feathered, galloping horse with a beak!!!

 

[chickenpotter]

Fortunately my Little Brownie is the sweetest of my hens! I've heard a lot about RIRs being bullies, but she is very docile. My favorite girl! Blue laced Damsel I am glad yours is still kicking. Thanks to all for the feedback. It has been a week and she is doing much better. I did not have to impound her- she started showing signs of improvement as soon as I solicited help here. It must have been a sprain. She is a big girl. Whenever anything goes wrong I really worry!

 

[Eggcessive]

That is good news. Actually I have some of the old line RIR that are dark mahogany, and they are the most docile chickens I have had. Even the roosters are weenies. The hatchery RIR, which are some what mixed for high egg production tend to be more aggressive as a whole, but every chicken can be different.