One leg turned backwards

[bethalene]

Hi, I'm brand new, never had chickens before. I got four New Hampshire Red chicks at less than a week old. They are now 10 weeks old. I noticed a few weeks ago that one of my hens had a toe on each foot that curls inward. Over the last week and a half, one leg is now almost completely turned backwards and the chicken can't walk well. She still gets around, but spends most of her time sitting. Is this common? Can she live this way? Can I do anything? I'm trying to get a good pic but it's hard.

 

[TOP KNOT]

Sounds like a slipped tendon, I had one do this. Over time he got really ratty looking because he used his wings to balance. I end up culling him, he got walked over and left behind. Sorry

 

[seminolewind]

I don't know . Can she walk or put weight on it?

 

[bethalene]

She can walk, but the gimp leg slips out from under her most of the time.

 

[ten chicks]

Check leg for a slipped tendon. Run your thumb down back of leg from hock(leg joins body)to shank(scales start)press down while doing this,if tendon has slipped you can feel it,it will feel loose/springy,press down you can feel it snap back into place. You will probably have to do this procedure several times a day,you can wrap leg where tendon has slipped to help it stay in place. You can also do stretching exercises,gently pull leg back(like bird would do when normally stretching leg back)this helps to stretch tendon,prevents tendon from tightening up,if she appears to be in pain while doing this then stop or perhaps you are pulling too hard.

Tendon issues are painful,is your girl eating/drinking?

I have successfully treated a adult rooster for a slipped tendon,took approx 3 weeks before he was walking normal. I did not limit his mobility, i encouraged him to walk. I did keep him in the house to treat him for this and to ensure he was eating/drinking properly. Make sure she has easy access to food/water due to lack of mobility.

 

[bethalene]

Wow! She is eating and drinking. I will share this info with my husband so he can help me try this. THANK YOU!