Pullet with broken leg - quick decision needed - PLEASE VOTE

[Michaels1715]

I have a beautiful white silkie pullet that is 5 months old who has a broken leg. She is very special to me. I am trying to decide what would be best for her.
I found her Wednesday night unable to walk. I took her to the vet this morning and we discovered she had a broken leg. He said the best chance for recovery would be surgery, but I cannot afford $700-$800 that it would cost. My other option is to have him splint her leg. But I am wondering if, between the splinting and the long recovery time, if this would cause her undue suffering. So should I just have her put down?
Because I love her dearly, I want to do what is best for her.
Please give me your opinion. I need to decide within the next hour or so.
Should I :
A. Have her leg splinted?
B. Have her put down?

Thanks in advance for your help!
~Sharon

 

[mymilliefleur]

I'm really not going to be much help, since I'm terrible at making these types of decisions. I've had several chickens in the past that have broken their legs though, and I have always separated them and let them heal on their own (we have no avian vets nearby). I have never lost a chicken to a broken leg, they have always healed just fine. I've seen chickens heal from some incredible wounds, they are tougher than we think. I vote A.
She sounds like a great chicken, I would definitely give her a chance. Hope this helps!

 

[Michaels1715]

Thank you for taking the time to answer me! I really appreciate it!

 

[mymilliefleur]

Thank you for taking the time to answer me! I really appreciate it!

No problem.

 

[Percheron chick]

I would pick up a copy of storey's guide to raising chickens. She explains how to care for a broken leg. You don't need to have the vet involved.

 

[marktoo]

I have read somewhere, that a chicken can survive a broken wing but not a broken leg but I don't remember where I read it. I would be more inclined to at least give her a chance though.

 

[Maddly]

If I was in your position, I would splint the leg, separate her from the other chickens, and care for her myself. That way you can keep a close eye on her, and if it seems like she is suffering you can take action quickly. But I definitely think you should give her a chance!

 

[UrbanFarmOC]

If it were mine, I'd probably choose to give it a chance first. Of course things like safety and eating issues would have to be worked out and considered first. The chicken will need special feeding time away from the flock to make sure she doesn't starve if mobility is a problem and she can't hop on one leg, or if then others refuse her access to food.