Limping Chicken

[sagrams]

Hi Everyone: I am new to Backyard Chickens. I am so glad I found this site because my chicken "Happy" just started limping yesterday. I took some pictures, that I will attach. I have had my chickens for a little under one year. This is the first medical issue that we have had and I feel very lucky. If anyone can give me advice on what this could possible be, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

 

[boskelli1571]

Hello & welcome!
Looks like she has a partial nail/claw on that toe. Try to keep it clean, wash daily with water and apply a very small dab of Neosporin (w/o caine). I suspect the limping will stop after a few days it must be quite painful to walk on poor thing!
Keep an eye open for infection - swelling, pus, smelly etc. if you find that you will need a vet for antibiotics. Please keep us posted,

 

[sagrams]

Thanks for your advice. We soaked it in a little Espons Salt (hope that is OK) and put neosporin on it. I have two questions: can I put liquid nail on the portion that is no longer there and can the nail be trimmed a little? I am just trying to think of little ways to make her more comfortable. Thanks again for all your help! Susan

 

[boskelli1571]

Thanks for your advice. We soaked it in a little Espons Salt (hope that is OK) and put neosporin on it. I have two questions: can I put liquid nail on the portion that is no longer there and can the nail be trimmed a little? I am just trying to think of little ways to make her more comfortable. Thanks again for all your help! Susan

Epsom salts is a good 'all rounder' ..You can trim the nail a little if you wish. not sure what liquid nail is but I wouldn't fuss too much with it, it should heal well enough on it's own. Chickens are remarkably resilient when it comes to injuries...

 

[sagrams]

Thank you for all your help. Happy is doing a lot better. I think she likes the one on one time when she is getting her foot soak or maybe its the grapes she get after.........Have a great weekend.