Limping pullet with swollen joint, how to treat?

[Sunny Side Up]

Late yesterday afternoon I found two 14-week-old pullets who had gotten themselves stuck in the fence of their pen. I don't know how long they had been there but they couldn't extract themselves from where they were wedged. I don't think it was a predator that drove them in there, although they could have been scared by a hawk overhead. No one else in that pen was missing or affected. It might have just seemed like a good idea at the time, maybe they were trying to reach a cool shady spot.

One of the pullets was already dead, with no obvious signs of injury. The other was very light, very hungry & thirsty, no real injuries except perhaps some evidence of being pecked on the backside by her flockmates. But she won't put her weight on one leg, keeping it bent instead.

I don't feel any breaks in the bones of that leg. I think it might just be sore from being stuck in place for so long. I am giving her chick crumbles wet with water, so she can get food & drink at the same time. She's eating well. She had a big clump of matted poop on her butt-fluff, not diarreah, just stuff that had nowhere else to go. I have her in a cage near her flockmates, but separated so they don't get started pecking at & picking on her.

What else can I do for her to get her walking normally again? Thank you for your imput.

(edited to change title, update in new post below)

 

[Judy]

Sounds like you're doing fine. There could be a fracture you can't see, for example the pelvis, which could take several weeks to heal. Other than a vet and xrays, there isn't much to be done besides what you're doing, which gives her the safety and rest she needs to heal.

Here's hoping it's just a sprain or bruise and she'll be herself in a few days.

 

[onthespot]

I would dip her beak in water, or watery mush of chick starter mixed with water several times a day to make sure she is hydrated and gets a little bit of nutrition while she is "drinking" the water. Hopefully she will pull out of it. I found one of mine in the complete wrong pen yesterday, but she got pecked pretty badly. I am hoping to save her also. Good luck and good vibes sent your way.

 

[homesteadingcowgirl]

Garlic, garlic, garlic-- I say this alot and I don't know if anyone listens to it or not, but I am telling 'ya it really helps. It boosts their immune system and does wonders, give her some in the AM and PM, just open her beak and shove some in. Best of luck

 

[Indiana hens]

yogurt or probiotic and high protein feed. Fruit is always good for dehyrdration. Aloe for sunburn

 

[Sunny Side Up]

I put her back in with her flockmates and she's getting along all right, but still limping & sitting down a lot. This morning she was putting more weight on it. I'll fix her some special meals, some feed mixed with yogurt, drip some vitamins in it, sprinkle some garlic over it. Homesteadingcowgirl, how do you prepare the garlic you give your chickens? Whole cloves? Peeled or not? Crushed or chopped? Please let me know, I'm listening to ya!

 

[Sunny Side Up]

Okay, it's been about 10 days since I first found this pullet stuck in the fence. I haven't given her any treatment and she seems to be walking better each day. She can even get herself up into the rafters of the barn where her flockmates like to roost each night. But she still seems to have a very slight limp, just a little hitch in her stride. Yesterday I was holding her & looking her over more closely & noticed the joint (hock? knee?) on the tender leg was larger than the other. It wasn't soft & swollen, didn't seem tender to the touch for her. Just bigger.

Has anyone ever encountered this in their chickens? Is there some way I could/should treat it? My primary concern is that she won't have any lasting affect from this injury that would compromise her health or well-being throughout her laying career. And also that I could sell her for all that she's worth with good conscience.