Rooster with a Broken Hip

[casportpony]

I have him on his back now there is none. It doesn’t make any noise, there’s also no feeling like anything is grinding.

Let me start by saying that any injury up past the femur is hard to treat, and I think I would probably euthanize unless the bird was a special pet or an important part of my breeding program.

Injuries in the area can be hard to detect. Spend some time examining the legs of a healthy bird to get an idea of what all of the joints feel like and how they move or don't move. Then compare your rooster's gimpy leg to those.

 

[bobbi-j]

It's a hard decision to make. I think the important thing to keep in mind is his quality of life. How much are you willing to put him through as you try to heal him? How long are you willing to try, bearing in mind that he will likely be in pain while you are trying to make him better? You are the only one who can make this decision. Wishing you all the best as you make this difficult decision.

 

[casportpony]

This might help:

 

[herbalmother]

Unless something drastic changes by tonight when my partner gets home, we’re definitely going to cull. I spent some time feeling around and it’s definitely up high and out of place. Whether broken or dislocated, I really don’t know and I don’t think I’m experienced enough to treat either one especially as it’s been over a week since the injury which means a week of suffering. I am so beyond sad and feel so guilty I didn’t check more extensively when it first happened, though I blame that on my inexperience. I just can’t justify treatment without know the exact cause, the length of time suffering already and my lack of experience. I think I tried to convince myself he wasn’t in pain because he wasn’t outwardly showing it, from what I’ve read now though I know that he must be in pain. All around just a crappy situation and day. I really appreciate all the feedback that I’ve gotten, I’ve definitely learned some things and gained the courage to do what needs to be done even though it’s sad. Thank you all.

 

[BantyChooks]

Unless something drastic changes by tonight when my partner gets home, we’re definitely going to cull. I spent some time feeling around and it’s definitely up high and out of place. Whether broken or dislocated, I really don’t know and I don’t think I’m experienced enough to treat either one especially as it’s been over a week since the injury which means a week of suffering. I am so beyond sad and feel so guilty I didn’t check more extensively when it first happened, though I blame that on my inexperience. I just can’t justify treatment without know the exact cause, the length of time suffering already and my lack of experience. I think I tried to convince myself he wasn’t in pain because he wasn’t outwardly showing it, from what I’ve read now though I know that he must be in pain. All around just a crappy situation and day. I really appreciate all the feedback that I’ve gotten, I’ve definitely learned some things and gained the courage to do what needs to be done even though it’s sad. Thank you all.

 

[bobbi-j]

Don't feel guilty. Anyone who has had chickens for any length of time has been where you are. There can be a pretty high learning curve when it comes to chickens, and the only way most of are going to learn is through experience. That you have cared for this bird and given him a chance and are willing to end his suffering says a lot for you.

 

[herbalmother]

I’m seriously going to miss him. He was basically the only one that really liked me lol. He deserves better than what he’s going through.

 

[bobbi-j]

Love that picture! He certainly is a looker! (I think that pic is frame-worthy)

 

[casportpony]

He's very handsome.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Unless something drastic changes by tonight when my partner gets home, we’re definitely going to cull. I spent some time feeling around and it’s definitely up high and out of place. Whether broken or dislocated, I really don’t know and I don’t think I’m experienced enough to treat either one especially as it’s been over a week since the injury which means a week of suffering. I am so beyond sad and feel so guilty I didn’t check more extensively when it first happened, though I blame that on my inexperience. I just can’t justify treatment without know the exact cause, the length of time suffering already and my lack of experience. I think I tried to convince myself he wasn’t in pain because he wasn’t outwardly showing it, from what I’ve read now though I know that he must be in pain. All around just a crappy situation and day. I really appreciate all the feedback that I’ve gotten, I’ve definitely learned some things and gained the courage to do what needs to be done even though it’s sad. Thank you all.

I'm so sorry, he's a handsome fella.

Please do not beat yourself up. It can be very hard to recognize something like a break vs. a sprain, especially in chickens. I feel that a rooster will be even more stoic and hide pain/suffering than a hen will. They will continue carry on the best they can for the sake of the flock.

You have received very good information from everyone. Do some research/reading on the different methods of how to end it quickly. Not to be too graphic, but you need the truth here, I do use the broomstick method, but will tell you as @BantyChooks mentioned, a large bird like a rooster will require more strength (been there) than a hen will. He's also larger, so do prepare yourself that there will likely be more reflex action (flapping) when it's done.

Again, I'm so sorry.