Our Bantam Orpington has swollen ankles

[Heckety]

Our lovely 18mth old Orpington bantam has swollen ankles and seems to be in pain. She is standing on one leg and then the other like her feet hurt. This seems to have happened in the last couple of weeks.

Otherwise she is ok, she lays a beautiful little egg every other day or so and here appetite is fine.

Any Ideas?

 

[LynneP]

She may have landed hard somewhere. If you wish to treat for inflammation you need 1 low-dose aspirin (81 mg) crushed and dissolved in 1 L (quart) of water. Separation and this treatment in the water should give an indication if it is a trauma in 24-48 hours. She will probably show slight improvement in the morning if this is the cause. This will not hurt the other hens provided you are not giving other medications at this time.

Also, have you checked the underside of her feet for heat burns or for bumblefoot? If you think it is the underside of the feet, such as a lime burn or standing on a hot rock, offer her a bed in a plastic basin deep bedded, in a safe place. If bumblefoot, search on this page at top right for options.

 

[EweSheep]

Yep, mine did that. I had to check her first to see if she had bumblefoot (never had them and dont want them!) and there was no plugs or foot abrasions or cuts. She must have trying to get off the perch or trying to get on the feeder and fell.

Perch falls ARE common in our chickens.