Orp with swollen hot hock..cant walk please HELP!!

[JLS]

Yesterday morning I went out to feed and clean my girls. That's when I noticed that one was non-weight bearing on her right leg. There is no sign of external injury. She has good "grip with her right foot but her right hock is swollen slightly and hot. I have brought her inside (my basement because I need her to stay winter ready...my basement is rather cool). I have her in a large laundry basket with a chick feeder and waterer. It allows her a little room, she can stand up and move around.. I was thinking that she needs to stay quiet and rest. She is eating and drinking.

I re-designed my coup yesterday. I know my roosts were too high and my nest boxes were too. That problem has been solved

But I need to know what I can do for my baby. Please help me.

 

[LynneP]

I would crush a low-dose aspirin ( on a saucer with a spoon) and dissolve it in a quart of water and use that as her fluid source. Aspirin is a good anti-inflammatory for birds. You have deep-bedded her? When you re-arranged, do you think it disrupted her routine and she became startled/injured? For bid birds roosts should be low, sounds like you were solving this. Also be sure you have lots of bedding for gliding and jumping down.

You can gently daub the area with a tiny amount of bag balm or vaseline while examining it, but don't use anything with benzocaine or any topical painkillers which are often lethal for birds. Sounds like a trauma, and I'm so glad you separated her. With luck the aspirin may get the swelling down.

 

[JLS]

Quote:
I re-arranged the coop in response to the injury. I have not been using the deep litter method because my birds were wheezing. Theyt have had less wheezing since I stopped the deep litter method.

Have you used asprin with any of your own birds? How long would I use the asprin?

 

[LynneP]

Yes, I've used it 3 times, twice with trauma lameness and once with a suspicious nutritional thing to give the hen a break from the discomfort.
I found that in 2-3 days there should be improvement or you should suspect something else.

I hear you regarding the deep litter, I don't use it either.

 

[JLS]

Quote:
One more question...Can I eat the eggs she lays while being on asprin? She laid one today despite being hurt, she's such a sweet little lady.

 

[LynneP]

Yes, if she lays it will not affect her eggs.