Rooster: Broken hip/Upper thigh

[hatchichickens]

My roo has a broken hip or upper thigh. There is a large lump on his back where the leg attaches to his side. He can almost walk but can't put weight on the leg. I am not wanting to put him down, despite him being a jerk. But I don't know how to set the leg so that he will be able to walk again. Any vets out there? or people who have dealt with this sort of thing successfully? He is still eating, drinking, defecating and tries to walk around. I am thinking of taking him to the vet tomorrow morning if he makes it through the night but am kind of conflicted. I would rather him heal at home and while I am willing to pay some.. it is a sort of mean rooster and I am not willing to go the surgery/ full orthopedic-chicken-veterinarian route. If anyone knows any resources on how to mend him or insight I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm sorry you're having trouble. Vet care would be best.


Here's some info I have on splinting/mending:

http://www.starlingtalk.com/fractures.htm
https://theiwrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Duerr_Splinting_Manual_2010.pdf

 

[hatchichickens]

I did take him to the vet. I was very conflicted on what to do.
The upper part of his thigh was broken near the hip. I think he may have injured it going after a deer.
I ended up euthanizing him this morning.
I feel horrible now. I wish I knew if it was the right decision.
He went very peacefully.
I miss him so much already.

Thank you for the links on splinting. I hope to not need them but I appreciate having the resource just in case.

 

[coach723]

I'm truly sorry for your loss.
Don't beat yourself up. We all have limits of what we are physically and/or financially able to do.
You got it assessed, and made a decision based on the information given and all factors involved.
Even with the best of care, a break like that would be a 'maybe' for recovery.
Most importantly you didn't let him needlessly suffer. We are all faced with decisions like this at some point and we do the best we can.

 

[crchicks]

I have a hen that had a broken upper leg, we didn't realize that's what it was until a week or so after it happened so it was too late for a vet trip. She was inside for about 2 months healing. She never fully gained the use of the leg back, she can pick it up and down but doesn't put any weight on it unless she's perching, but she does hop around on her good leg. She gets around fine on the one leg and still lays an egg almost every day but she is a very small hen and I think if she was bigger she wouldn't have been able to get around. I'm sorry that you lost him.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm sorry for your loss

 

[hatchichickens]

Thank you coach723, crchicks, & Wyorp Rock for your condolences. I am so thankful for BYC because as much as people close to me know I care for my chickens, they also see me as a crazy chicken lady. I usually am not much for social media or reaching out but there is comfort in knowing that this community is here and understands how special these birds can be. Chicken life is precious to me and I hate that they are treated as though they are so disposable. They are not treated with the dignity and respect that all life deserves. Even though I still feel conflicted in my decision, I have some comfort in knowing that at least he was not in pain for very long and he passed tranquilly in my arms. He was well cared for and led a good life.
Rest in glory my sweet rooster bubba.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

He was very handsome

I'm so sorry, I understand you are conflicted about having to put him down. As responsible caretakers of our animals, it's up to us to make that tough decision. I'm sure you did not take it lightly and you made a kind and loving choice to end his suffering.