Limping hen

[amyseiber]

I have a 3 month old Black Sussex hen. She has limped since we got her at 2 days old. She walks, roosts, eats, drinks and seems happy. However, she doesn't run around when its not necessary. When I let my others hens out to free range she sits in the run. She doesn't have Brumblefoot or mites that I can tell. I am new to chicken farming! It just seems that now that she's getting bigger its a little harder to get around. She puts herself in the coop at night and gets on the highest roost (about 2 1/2 feet high) but she limps around and sits most of the day. It is as if one leg is shorter. Anyone have any advice?

 

[amyseiber]

I haven't gotten a reply from anyone about my hen, Bok, but wanted to update. She is coming out if the run everyday and try's to keep up with the flock. Sometimes she just sits under a tree. She eats and drinks and comes to me...she just limps behind the other girls.

 

[PeepPeeps]

She may have been injured as a chick without you noticing. If she can get along fine, great! Ive had birds that picked a favorite spot in the yard and wouldn't move from it unless it was to eat, drink, or go to bed. If she starts having problems walking all the time put her in her own cage away from the other girls and let her rest. Give her lots of love and a good diet full of vitamins.

 

[amyseiber]

Thanks! She still limps around but is keeping up with the rest of the clan. Occasionally, she'll sit in a shady spot for a while, then meet up with them again. She even does this galloping run. She doesn't seem in pain and comes running (galloping) when she sees me. My friends joke that I need a handicap sign on my coop! Lol. She's even laying so as long as she's not in pain I guess we're ok!

 

[PeepPeeps]

Thats really awesome! The only thing would be to keep an eye on her. If the other birds decide she looks too injured they may peck at her, so just keep your eye on her. I'm glad she's doing so well.

 

[amyseiber]

Thanks! Actually one of the other hens came up and took her treat yesterday and she pecked at her, so I guess she's holding her own!