Limping pullet

[Wainbowmudd]

One of my girls is limping a bit and favoring a foot. I’ve looked her over and I don’t see anything like bumble foot. She’s laying down a little more than usual but still keeps up with the flock. They “free range” about a 500 Sqft piece of yard. I thought about keeping her in the run so she didn’t have to walk too far and rest but then the other birds would be blocked off from their food and shelter. Should I bring her inside? (No one seems to be picking on her in her weaker state.) Or should I just keep an eye on it and bring her in if it gets worse?


Two days ago we had a hawk scare. I wasn’t outside but I seen it swoop by our sliding glass window and when I went outside the girls were jumping on each other in the corner where my house meets my deck trying to seek shelter. I’m not sure if that’s when she got hurt or not but she was fine that morning. (I take a lot of videos of them so I rewatched them and noticed she was fine that morning but a little hobbley that evening)

I put up some bird netting in the open space so hopefully that won’t happen again.

 

[coach723]

Sprains and strains are not uncommon, and from the hawk scenario seems like it's a good possibility. If she's getting around OK, when she chooses to, and eating and drinking, and not being picked on by others, I would leave her with them and just keep an eye on her. Separation can be stressful for them, so I only do it if necessary. If separation for forced rest or for her safety is necessary, then a wire crate kept in the run where she can still see and be seen by the others is better. That way she can rest safely and reintegrating her will go easier.

 

[Wainbowmudd]

Sprains and strains are not uncommon, and from the hawk scenario seems like it's a good possibility. If she's getting around OK, when she chooses to, and eating and drinking, and not being picked on by others, I would leave her with them and just keep an eye on her. Separation can be stressful for them, so I only do it if necessary. If separation for forced rest or for her safety is necessary, then a wire crate kept in the run where she can still see and be seen by the others is better. That way she can rest safely and reintegrating her will go easier.

Thank you! That’s what I was thinking regarding separation only if really necessary