Need some help with an older hen

[Camo chicken146]

So I have an older Barred Rock hen who is 5 (will be 6 this dec) and for a few weeks now she's had a limp (I'll have to go outside later and double check which leg it is)

she still eats and drinks well and still walks and runs around just with a limp. I've checked her for bumblefoot and she doesn't have that. she still scratches around some while out free ranging (she's slowed down a lil bit ever since she turned 5), and still lays every now and again. her comb and wattle are still nice and red.

So shes behaving perfectly fine except her limp could it be something wrong with her leg she does stumble around sometimes like if she tripped on something and has to stretch her wing out to catch her or maybe something like arthritis since she older

if I needed to check her leg what would I look for, and if she is in pain despite still moving around is there anything I can give her for pain?

 

[Eggcessive]

Look for any swelling or green bruising over the entire leg and joints of the leg and feet. She may have suffered a sprain, but they also can have reproductive issues, such as salpingitis, which may put pressure on the sciatic nerve. I would prevent her from jumping up and down from the roost, or running. A wire dog crate can be good inside the coop with the others to limit activity. She could be out of it during the days as long as she is not running or too active.

 

[Camo chicken146]

Look for any swelling or green bruising over the entire leg and joints of the leg and feet. She may have suffered a sprain, but they also can have reproductive issues, such as salpingitis, which may put pressure on the sciatic nerve. I would prevent her from jumping up and down from the roost, or running. A wire dog crate can be good inside the coop with the others to limit activity. She could be out of it during the days as long as she is not running or too active.

thanks so much how long would I need to keep her in something like a dog crate

 

[Eggcessive]

Well, I would see how she is doing every day. The main thing is to do it at night before she goes to roost, and then let her out in morning. But if she is limping pretty bad, I would keep her in the crate 24 hours a day and then just evaluate how she is walking daily or every few days. Human vitamin B complex tablets 1/2 tablet daily can be crushed into some of her food or some egg daily. Here is a good price:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Spring-V...MIy_2T3bL7jQMVMcKfCR2m3hXCEAQYAiABEgKsfPD_BwE

 

[Camo chicken146]

Thank you so much

Human vitamin B complex tablets 1/2 tablet daily can be crushed into some of her food or some egg daily. Here is a good price:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Spring-V...MIy_2T3bL7jQMVMcKfCR2m3hXCEAQYAiABEgKsfPD_BwE

I'm assuming the vitamin B will help with any swelling? or?

 

[Eggcessive]

It is good for leg strength, and helpful in leg problems.

 

[Camo chicken146]

Thank you