Mollie's hurt leg and development.

[chicken boy]

A few weeks ago I bought myself seven chicks, however one looked like it had a broken leg. six of the seven are outside now yet the one with the hurt leg (Mollie) is still inside. Her toes are curling and her hip seems to be growing funny. She also isn't developing as fast, the others are almost fully sized and yet she looks to be a lot younger (she's the same age)




sorry bout the blur, she wouldn't sit still.

Other than that she looks healthy. Has anyone else had to deal with this? If so how do I help her???

 

[cowcreekgeek]

A few weeks ago I bought myself seven chicks, however one looked like it had a broken leg. six of the seven are outside now yet the one with the hurt leg (Mollie) is still inside. Her toes are curling and her hip seems to be growing funny. She also isn't developing as fast, the others are almost fully sized and yet she looks to be a lot younger (she's the same age)

Other than that she looks healthy. Has anyone else had to deal with this? If so how do I help her???

Chickens, by their very design, are individually fragile and temporary, so that the flocks they form can be resilient, and more easily adapt to their environments. And, as the keeper of the flock, it is your responsibility to make decisions based upon the better good of the flock ...

I'm sorry ... whether caused by injury, deficiency or disease? This bird will never regain the use of it's leg. This puts additional stresses upon the bird, beyond the obvious difficulties, and places the rest of your birds at a much greater risk.

 

[chicken boy]

thank you, does she even have a chance that she'll live longer? Or will her heart just give out on her?

 

[chicken boy]

Is there a way to stop her toes from curling??? I tried to feel them and they seem pretty stiff.

 

[cowcreekgeek]

thank you, does she even have a chance that she'll live longer? Or will her heart just give out on her?

It would depend upon so many variables, most esp. to what extend you were to intervene, and your level of commitment towards her specific needs.

When you put the question that way? It reminds me that I've seen animals simply quit living, as their own result, due at least in part to their losing their will to continue. And, that only God truly knows ...

I've seen very creative efforts ... slings, and supportive devices, 'n such. But, I've never seen those w/ such difficulties welcomed w/ open wings, and I can't imagine there'd be any way to be certain the bird wasn't suffering constantly from any efforts to devise such a thing (otherwise, I'd grab my pencil, 'n give it a try ~'-)

To possibly make your decision an easier one, you can compare the two legs, and this bird to another. You can manipulate her wings, and each leg, carefully watching and feeling for any changes to her reaction. If you can determine there is any pain caused by movement (whether from pulling or pushing or moving w/in the range of motion that isn't physically limited by displacement or disfigurement), then there really isn't any choice remaining.

 

[PAchickenlover]

I never thought I would see a chicken have my name! LOL From one Mollie to another Mollie, I hope she gets better soon!

 

[chicken boy]

haha! thank you!