Old hen with a limp

[Isabelstu]

Recently my 3.5 year old ex battery hen has developed quite a severe limp… I’m unsure wether she might of fallen off the ladder to get into her coup but I’m confident this has something to do with her age catching up to her. I wouldn’t dare put any of my chickens down since I just don’t have the heart to but I can say with confidence she still has the will to fight. I’ve checked her leg and see no external injuries and her leg seems fine with only a bit of swelling to show. I’m just asking here today what you guys think of this and if I should make a splint or support for her just until she passes.

 

[Opiumbrella]

there is swelling on the leg? Or on the foot? Bumble foot is common during spring/fall when we conditions are prevalent so I would make sure that is not the case. No need to put her down, especially if you can help her. I would start by adding turmeric to her diet, I get refrigerated dog food (pumpkin rice spinach and chicken (yes I know lol) is the kind I use as it can lots of nutrients and they love it) and mix their daily turmeric in that. I just give them a pinch a day. This can help with inflammation. Also the most effective thing for inflammation is devils claw. You can get a product called “morning bird arthritis” which has devils claw in it, and is amazing for aging hens who have injuries or arthritis.
If she is still trucking, putting her down is not what I would do yet. I’ve had several old red sex links that have had injuries like this, one broke her hip (I made her a sling then a wheelchair and then she started walking on her own again). Especially if she is still eating and alert and wanting to love around.
I would also see if she needs some supplemental calcium as well. Battery hens often experience deficiencies during vital periods of growth and can be prone to injury.