Silkie mix with broken leg

[GitaBooks]

Tonight one of my silkie mixes, a hen named Sapphire, was getting up into her perch when she landed on an old fence and managed to get her leg pinched in a tight spot. I found her hanging by her leg and managed to get her free, but she is acting like (and it feels like) she has a broken leg. I have her in a crate in the basement with some easy to grip and soft paper towels and wood chips. She also has water. Is there anything more I should do? I'm not sure how to tell how bad the break is or if I should splint it or just let it heal. She is in pain but is resting now.
I've heard chickens heal from breaks well, especially if they aren't really bad. Should I just let her be for a few weeks with plenty of nutritious food and cage-rest?

Thanks for anything that can help.


Here she is when she was a pullet with her friend. Her leg has extra toes and feathered feet so it would be hard to get a good splint on it.

 

[chicknmania]

If a vet is not an option, I think cage rest is the best option. I suppose you could try splinting it if you are sure it is broken and where the break is, but a splint might bother her and stress her out more...I'm not sure about that. I'd be surprised though if she broke it just from that. You can give her a baby aspirin crushed in a treat ( I use a tiny bit of peanut butter on bread to hold the aspirin) twice a day, for pain. Is there swelling? If there isn't, you might try a warm water soak with some Epsom salts, to help pain and inflammation.

I had a cockerel once who had a similar accident,, and I found him hanging. He acted like he had some nerve damage..but I confined him and gave him the aspirin, and he was completely recovered in a few days. Even if it's just a sprain though, it could take a few weeks before your hen recovers.

 

[GitaBooks]

Thank you so much. That helps a lot. : )

She is resting well today. I'm going to take her out and do a look-over and test how well she can walk, but for now I'm just letting her relax, eat some and stay hydrated.

 

[chicknmania]

Good, hope she gets better soon. Keep us posted!