One of my hens is limping

[rhino1157]

My nova hen came up limping yesterday. I brought her into the house along with 2 of her newly hatched chicks. Trying to keep her calm. Leg isn't broken, she didn't pull her leg away when I examined it. I have first aid training, have treated a lot injuries to people. My dogs and cat. My lab was guarding her, and her chicks. Anything more I should do for her. She is 8 months old a prolific egg layer. Do hens cease layings after a clutch hatches? Thank you for help, lil red will too.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry about your limping pulllet. Does she hold the sore leg up or try to put some weight on it? Can you see any redness, green bruising, or swelling over the entire leg. Are there any scabs or cuts on the foot pad? Was she vaccinated for Mareks disease? I would separate her in a wire dog crate with food and water to for e her to rest the leg for now.

 

[rhino1157]

No obvious buising or discoloration. She does try to put weight on it. She has two 1 day old hatchlings. She is protective of the hatchlings. She seems to enjoy watching TV.
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[Eggcessive]

She is at the age that Mareks disease can strike, and it can cause a variety of possible symptoms that may include weakness or paralysis in a leg or wing, occasionally a twisted neck and other symptoms. I really hope that it is just a sprain and not Mareks, but time will tell. She really needs to be healthy enough to show her chicks how to forage for food and water in the next few weeks, and to become a part of the flock. That includes keeping other chickens away from her chicks, which might be hard with a lame leg. I would let her try to raise the babies in a brooder for now, and if she stops eating or becomes unable to care for them, have the ability to separate her. The most important thing is that she be able to reach food and water. Here is some reading about Mareks:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/
https://extension.umd.edu/sites/ext...Preventing Mareks Disease in Small Flocks.pdf

 

[rhino1157]

No obvious buising or discoloration. She does try to put weight on it. She has two 1 day old hatchlings. She is protective of the hatchlings. She seems to enjoy watching TV. She is limping along her two hatchings follow her and mommy is making sure they getting enough food and water.

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