Limping 5 week old BO with swollen leg/foot

Jenna McKay

Hatching
5 Years
Joined
Feb 23, 2014
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I'm new to raising chickens and have had a couple of close calls with two of our three so far. We have two Ameraucanas and one Buff Orpington. One Americaunas appeared sick and lethargic two weeks ago, but after probiotics and electrolytes seems fine( phew!!) Today, They were out free ranging in our backyard this afternoon, under our supervision. After my older daughter brought them back into the run I noticed the little BO standing on one leg. Upon closer inspection I see the bottom of her foot is pretty swollen (no visible blister, bee sting, etc.). The leg and foot are also a bit swollen and bruised. I can't even imagine how this happened so quickly. Now I'm thinking she broke her leg? She's still trying to stand and is a bit shaky when I pick her up. She's vocal, but always has been, so I'm not sure if it's related to the injury. I tried an Epsom salt soak and also applied a baking soda paste to her foot in case it was a sting (which doesn't explain the bruising). If her leg is broken do I just leave her or can a vet do anything?
 
Welcome to BYC. My guess is that it is a bad sprain or a break. Look for any bruising and distortion of the leg bones. Place her in a cage with food and water in the coop. Put vitamins in her water. Keep her there for a week, and then test her ability to walk. A vet can xray and splint the leg if broken, but will be expensive. Splinting can be done if you think the leg is broken. Here is a link on splinting on pp 20-22: http://theiwrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Duerr_Splinting_Manual_2010.pdf
 
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Okay, thanks for the info. and the link. I'll do that and see what happens. I don't see any weird angles or distortions in the leg bones, so I'm wondering what the heck happened!
 

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