Megan Thee Chicken’s Hurt Leg

[Disheygirl]

I noticed one of my girls was laying around a lot today, so I nudged her up this afternoon and she’s got a pretty bad limp. Doesn’t want to put weight on the leg and will hold it up when she‘s standing. I brought her inside - don’t see any scabs, cuts, or red spots, and her upper leg feels normal. Her ankle looks maybe a little swollen and is warm. She’s eating and drinking and pooping (although her poop is watery but if she hasn’t been eating all day until I brought her in, that’s why). I put some aspirin in her water - anything else I can do to help her?

 

[Eggcessive]

It may be a sprain. I would keep her separated in the crate with food and water, while she rests the leg for a few days. If possible, keep her near the other chickens for company so that she stays a part of the flock.

 

[Disheygirl]

It may be a sprain. I would keep her separated in the crate with food and water, while she rests the leg for a few days. If possible, keep her near the other chickens for company so that she stays a part of the flock.

I think you’re right. It’s a bit bigger and bruised today. I wonder if some support would help, like vet wrap… Is there a way to tell btw sprain and break? If it heals in a few days, it’s a sprain? I can’t imagine how she did this.

 

[Tonyroo]

Running on uneven ground or jumping can cause it.

 

[Eggcessive]

The green bruising adds to the theory of a sprain. Resting it for a few days may help. Some might wrap or tape the ankle for support, but those can become tight if it continues to swell and cut off circulation. Usually they will limit their own activity while crated. I would bring her crate around the other chickens to keep her part of the flock. Being gone from them for more than a few days can make it hard for her to rejoin them.

 

[Disheygirl]

I bought a pack of splints on Etsy…they had great ratings so we’ll see. Maybe a little extra support. I have been putting her in a grow out section so they feel like they’re together even though they’re separated…she’s second in command and one of the original three, so I don‘t want her to lose her spot. Worse than an injured chicken is watching them get beat up for no reason.