Swollen leg.....need help please!

[suedi3399]

I'm pretty new to the hen world, so this may be something silly... I got a yellow orp from my friend last night (her flock is impeccable so I wasn't worried about quarentine)- when I put Gigi on the roost last night I didn't see anything wrong with her, but this morning one of her legs is really swollen! I've looked at all the pics of scaly mites and it doesn't look like that at all. Her foot and toes don't look swollen, but she is favoring it and trying not to stand on it. It is a healthy looking color and otherwise matches her good leg. My other girls aren't picking on her yet either.
I haven't been able to get in touch with the my friend for advice, so I hope someone here can help. I have 4 other perfectly healthy and happy chickens and want to keep it that way!

update- I just washed her leg with peroxide- no bubbling. The bottom of her foot and her toes were blemish free. I coated her leg in triple antibiotic. Please at least let me know if I am on the right track- I have never had to treat a chicken before!!!

 

[roosters97]

welcome, i hope someone helps

 

[dreamgirl]

Gently feel her leg, Does it cause her pain to the touch? Can you find any broken skin? Is it more tender around the joints? Is is hot to the touch? Does she have a fever?

Being new she could simply have fallen off the perch in the dark (or been chased off) and sprained or broken the leg. You might want to put her in a quiet place where she is safe and can't move around too much (maybe a cat carrier in the coop so she can still see the other birds) until you figure out what it is. I believe there are posts on how to splint a leg if you search. If she has a fever or it looks like it could be some kind of infection you may want to try antibiotics. You could also try a vet, but I know none around here treat chickens, so that may not be possible.

Good luck!

 

[suedi3399]

Thank you so much for replying- last night I washed it with peroxide and coated it with triple antibiotic ointment. It is a little red today, so I'm going to repeat tonight. She is going to hate me! I finally spoke with my friend who gave her to me and she said she was fine before cage, so I think you're right about the manner of injury. She is walking on it, but favoring it when standing still. I'm going to keep an eye on her for the next few days and hope for the best. Thanks again!!

Sue