Limping chicken

[Norrey]

One of our chickens has had a very slight and occasional limp which has suddenly got a lot worse. She still walks fairly normally until she has to do anything like moving sideways, running etc., when she clearly cannot put weight on her left leg. She doesn't hold it up although sometimes she looks like she's trying to give it a rest. She is also still scratching for food but sometimes this causes her to lose balance. She is eating fine, drinking fine and is laying ok too. We've checked for bumblefoot and all clear. Any ideas on what to do next?

 

[50-45-1]

She could have leaped down off a roost or something to high and just sprained it. Is she a heavy hen?
A couple other things to check for would be leg mites or thorn or broken toe nail.
Hopefully its just a sprain and she will recover soon.

 

[Eggcessive]

Is there any bruising, redness, or swelling of the foot and leg or joints? Can you see a vet to get an xray? Could younget a picture of her standing in case she has a leg bine deformity that has gotten worse? I would place her in a dog crate or pen with food and water to force her to rest the leg for a few days. Then let her out and see if there is any improvement. It can take a few weeks for a broken bone or a bad sprain to heal. Hopefully, it is not Mareks disease.

 

[jolly wattles]

Do you have a roo? If so check for any gashing on her back above that leg.

 

[Chelsa'sChicks]

My 1600 .lb draft horse accidentally stepped on my young pullets ankle and foot. It was immediately hot, swollen and red. She could not put weight on it at all. I went down every night (for 2 nights) and put her on her roosting spot. She always got down ok. By the 3rd night she jumped up onto her roost herself. By the time a few weeks went by she had went from a fast goofy hop/walk to a normal gait and could run and do all activities. I would give it time, unless you have an obvious compound fracture she could pull through ok. PS my vet said all they could do was splint her leg for $75.. they didn't even offer an xray so good luck!