Limping roo

[Jemry77]

Yesterday, I found my year old buff orpington roo laying in the garden by himself. His lady friends were on the other side of the yard, which struck me as odd because he's never without his ladies. When I approached him, he stood up and I noticed he was hobbling on his right foot. When he began to walk around I noticed him limping. He can put weight on the right leg when standing still, but limps to get around. I also noticed that at times his right foot just slips behind him instead of making contact with the ground. I did check for bumble foot, I couldn't see anything. Any ideas are appreciated! I do have a video of him that I took with my phone but I can't add it here because it's an mp4.

 

[Jemry77]

I'm glad that he is eating/drinking.

Is being in a nest normal behavior for him? Some roosters do make nests for the hens, but if he is using a nest to isolate himself, then I would watch him closely, since this would (to me) that he is in pain and not feeling well.

No, he's not usually in a nest. I didn't mean to say that he is always in a nest when I check on him, I should have read what I typed before I posted! He was in a nest on the floor yesterday, one time, when I checked on him. Any other time he is checking himself out in front of the mirror I have in the coop. He's behaving normally..I'm going to give him a baby aspirin with honey in his water. Better safe than sorry!

 

[boskelli1571]

Pictures really would help. Anyway, how does the foot feel? hot? red? bumble start small and inconspicuous....
It could be an injury from jumping down from a perch etc. keep an eye on him, hopefully it will resolve in a couple of days, keep us posted,

 

[Wyorp Rock]

He can put weight on the right leg when standing still, but limps to get around. I also noticed that at times his right foot just slips behind him instead of making contact with the ground.

I would definitely restrict his activity for a couple of days to see if there is improvement. Feel the leg for warmth, swelling, etc.

It could be a sprain or he landed wrong and slipped something out of place. The floor he is walking on in the video - is it slick? How is the landing area in your coop where he jumps off? You mention you will add hay/bedding, was where he jumps slick or hard flooring?

 

[boskelli1571]

The pic and video were taken in my garage that has concrete flooring, it would be slick for him to walk on..probably why is leg is splaying out more so than when he walks in the yard? The landing area in the coop is covered in pine chips and hay. I had to add more bedding where he jumps down because the hens had moved the chips that were already there around. The flooring under the bedding is wood, so it would be slick if he did land on a bare spot. If that is what happened, would symptoms not show right away? I didn't feel any warmth on his foot or leg. I also don't notice any swelling, the leg looks the same as his left leg. I was thinking he may have a dislocated hip? Thank you for your input! I appreciate it.

I think if he dislocated it he wouldn't walk at all...but he could have damaged a ligament, that would fit with the later in the day scenario. More exercise aggravates it and so he can't walk. Rest and 'tincutre of time' ....

 

[Wyorp Rock]

They are allowed out in the run, but he is always in a nest when I check on him. He is eating and drinking good!

I'm glad that he is eating/drinking.

Is being in a nest normal behavior for him? Some roosters do make nests for the hens, but if he is using a nest to isolate himself, then I would watch him closely, since this would (to me) that he is in pain and not feeling well.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

No, he's not usually in a nest. I didn't mean to say that he is always in a nest when I check on him, I should have read what I typed before I posted! He was in a nest on the floor yesterday, one time, when I checked on him. Any other time he is checking himself out in front of the mirror I have in the coop. He's behaving normally..I'm going to give him a baby aspirin with honey in his water. Better safe than sorry!

Good to know! LOL Checking himself out in the mirror, he must be doing somewhat o.k.

Thanks for the clarification. Please keep us posted.

 

[Jemry77]

That's the best picture I have right now. I'll post the video as soon as I figure how. Thank you for your info! The foot is not hot or red.

 

[boskelli1571]

I can't zoom in on the leg so can see very little of interest....which is good, no obvious injury or deformity. How high are your roosting perches?
Orpingtons are known to be heavy breeds and can injure their feet and legs simply jumping down. Perches of 18 inches or less are best. Keep us posted,

 

[Jemry77]

I did get the video posted, finally There isn't any obvious injury or deformity in the leg. He was fine yesterday morning and limping by late afternoon. His roost is about 4ft off the ground. I know it's high..It's a metal shelf that all my chicks roost on for unknown reasons. I'm going to put hay and pine chips in front of it so he at least has a soft landing in the morning. I'm not going to let him free range tomorrow so he can get some rest and I can keep a close eye on him. Were you able to see the video?? His gait is off..