Limping Chicken!

[dawg53]

I set up a dog crate within run. Is this ok? Also, should she stay in it overnight? Also, what if she starts acting super stressed while in cage in the run?

It's best to isolate her away from the flock so she wont get excited nor get other birds in an uproar. Your hen should be caged until she heals. Ensure you provide feed and water while she's caged and keep the cage as clean as you can.
Please read post #4 above.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

It's best to isolate her away from the flock so she wont get excited nor get other birds in an uproar. Your hen should be caged until she heals. Ensure you provide feed and water while she's caged and keep the cage as clean as you can.
Please read post #4 above.

I feel she'll be more stressed away from the flock. Fortunately the girls are being kind. 2 even laying with her next to the crate. I only have 5 total. 3 hours after crating i went and say in run to observe. I didnt notice and limping, so, i made the decision to lift her up and let the girls free range a bit. I set up a little play area for her on the flat grass. The leg seemed stronger as she was trying to scratch. She was able to scratch, just more lightly with the injured side. It was when she went to run that i knew she wasnt healed or even close to 100%. She cant run. So, we all went back into the run and her the crate. I decided i will put her crate into the henhouse to sleep with the girls while they roost. In the AM, I'll be out there early to check her status. I hope she improves. I am currently looking to purchase Brewers Yeast or some fish meal. Not sure which ones are good tho. Anyone use fish meal or brewers yeast for chickens? Thanks again everyone. The support is so important and the knowledge and shared experience is everything to a noob tryin' her best for her flock

 

[Chickenwhisperer2021]

I set up a dog crate within run. Is this ok? Also, should she stay in it overnight? Also, what if she starts acting super stressed while in cage in the run?

Keep her in the cage for 10 days then take her out and see if there is improvement if there is improvement don't put her back with the flock. If there is no improvement then keep her in the cage for another 10 days.

 

[FergFarm]

Most likely your Light Brahma has sprained or pulled a ligament or tendon. The main cause is hopping down from a high roost or other high place. It's worse for her because she is a heavy breed. You can lower roosts, eliminate places on your property where she can jump down from a high place, for example; a lawn chair, picnic table, trash can etc.

I recommend that you place her in crate or cage, provide her food and water, and away from the rest of your flock. She needs rest and relaxation in order for her leg to heal, not up and walking on it causing further injury that may take longer to heal or may not heal at all.
You can buy Vitamin B Complex at a drug store, crush a few tablets into powder and sprinkle the powder on her feed to eat. It may help speed up the healing process.
Leg problems take time to heal, I've dealt with enough of them over the years. They sometimes take a couple of weeks or several months to heal. I've had very good success with hens, not so good with roosters.
After 10 days, remove her from the cage and see if there's improvement, if not, put her back in the cage for another 10 days and continue with the Vitamin B Complex. In another 10 days, remove her from the cage and see if there's improvement.
If not, you will have to make the decision to continue her isolation in the cage, or return her to the flock, or cull. If you see a "some" improvement, my advice is NOT to put her back with the flock, she will reinjure her leg, guaranteed. Put her back in the cage and let it heal all the way, properly.
Remember; time heals.

This is so helpful, even 4 years later! Do you think I should use a small cat crate to really keep her from walking at all? There’s enough room for her to crouch and turn around a bit if she wants, but it’ll really keep her from moving much at all. Also, when I take her out to change the bedding and collect her egg should I just hold her to keep her off her foot then too? Mine is a fairly small isa brown, in case that changes anything. Thank you!

 

[dawg53]

This is so helpful, even 4 years later! Do you think I should use a small cat crate to really keep her from walking at all? There’s enough room for her to crouch and turn around a bit if she wants, but it’ll really keep her from moving much at all. Also, when I take her out to change the bedding and collect her egg should I just hold her to keep her off her foot then too? Mine is a fairly small isa brown, in case that changes anything. Thank you!

Do what you think is best for your hen. You really dont want her walking too much to cause possible further injury. Keep in mind you'll need a place to put her feed and water. You dont want her turning around and dumping everything making a mess, not to mention when she poops. It's just extra work for you and extra stress for your hen.

 

[Mason Farm and Ranch]

I have a 3yr light bramha, yesterday she developed a slight limp. I looked her over felt her leg and its not broken or anything. This morning she is almost hoping on one foot. I know none of you guys aren't going to be able to tell me how she hurt it, but what can i do to help her, she seems like she is in quite bit of pain.

Give her 500 mg Tumeric or a children's Aspirin (81mg). If the limp improves or goes away, it is an injury.

If there is no improvement, it is neurological. She my have eaten something toxic. She'll need a detox regimen for a few days/a week. It will not be quick to improve and she may have a slight limp permanently.

 

[Ccort]

Give her 500 mg Tumeric or a children's Aspirin (81mg). If the limp improves or goes away, it is an injury.

If there is no improvement, it is neurological. She my have eaten something toxic. She'll need a detox regimen for a few days/a week. It will not be quick to improve and she may have a slight limp permanently.

Childrens aspirin is safe for hens?
Do we just pop it in their beak?

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

Childrens aspirin is safe for hens?
Do we just pop it in their beak?

I crush it and put it on a favorited food. I crush the entire thing, but only give her about half.

 

[Mason Farm and Ranch]

Childrens aspirin is safe for hens?
Do we just pop it in their beak?

OMG! NO! What did I write? No, children's Aspirin is sweetened with aspartame, which is toxic to chickens.

They make an adult 81mg Aspirin.

 

[dawg53]

Childrens aspirin is safe for hens?
Do we just pop it in their beak?

Simply follow the instructions in this link if you have a limping hen, post #4. I've dealt with these types of injuries.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/limping-chicken.1243650/
Do not give a limping bird any type of pain medication. The bird will further injure herself by having reduced pain or no pain at all. You want her to feel pain so she doesnt walk. Time heals, like a sprained ankle.