paralyzed foot

[Elaine73]

I have a black silkie that started hopping yesterday. Picked her up and foot looks good. Moved the leg to make sure no broken bones, moves just like it should. Went to close the coop and she can't grip the roost and falls off so I brought her in for the night instead of her being on the coop floor. Eating and drinking fine and even laid an egg.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Sorry to hear your Silkie is having issues. When you feel her foot, it is warm or swollen? Did you check the pad for pokes or holes that might have become infected? (Bumblefoot) Have you felt all the way up to the hip joint?

If she has no bumblefoot and nothing seems to be broken, she may have sprained it coming down off a high roost bar or other high area. You might keep her in a small cage with food and water close nearby, limiting her movement. If this is a sprain, a week or two in a cage should heal up a strain. If she continues to pull a strain, it could tear a tendon. These do not heal without surgery to reattach tendons.

If she continues to get worse and she begins to become so lame, dragging her wings to walk, she may have Mareks Disease. If so, the outcome is generally pretty grim.

If she progresses to this point, you might post this in our emergency section for support with this devastating disease....https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures

I sure you hope you can get her back on both her feet and healthy soon!

 

[Elaine73]

I checked for bumblefoot and there is not swelling or hot to the touch. She must've sprained it. That's what I was thinking, thanks.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us! I had the same problem with my hen. I took her to a veterinarian. There wasn't any broken bones, nor bumblefoot, nor any infection, and she's too old for Marek's. I've never found out what she has, and she still limps. I would recommend separating your hen if she has trouble getting around. If you give the leg a chance to heal more, she could get around better in the future. I hope your hen gets better.

 

[drumstick diva]

Hope your girl gets well. The e/r thread may have other ideas of what is causing her problem. Has she had any head injuries? Silkies with vaulted skulls are extremely prone to that. It can just take a peck to the head or a bump. You may want to post on "Silkie thread." to see what they come up with.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Hope your silkie recovers.