Very hurt leg...

[logansgranny]

One of my new Wellsummer layers was bullied by an over aggressive hen...I have no idea how, but one of her legs is hurt so badly it is unusable (in addition to a big chunk bitten out of her comb). The skin isn't broken and I don't think the leg is actually broken, perhaps it is dislocated. She tries to take a step, and immediately sits back down. She is eating, and laying. We have her in the house so she is safe and comfortable (we live in Central Ca and it is VERY hot). She can get from one side of her little nursery to the other, but it is slow going.

I have had her confined for one week now, and willing to go another couple of weeks. If she shows no signs of improvement at the end of two weeks, I am wondering if there is hope she will get better with more time. As she is eating and laying, I am wondering if she is in any pain.

Any thoughts?

 

[Kiki]

I would guess that she is doing pretty good since she is laying.

Have you thought about making a "sling" to sit her in?

 

[Eggcessive]

Sprains are very common from injuries, but a broken bone might not be easy to spot. Look for redness or bruising, swelling or movement in the bones. It can take several weeks for a broken bone to heal if it is set and splinted or for a sprain to heal. It might never heal, especially if in the upper leg or hip. If you have a vet, avian or regular that sees chickens, they could do an xray and advise treatment. I would try a chicken sling for several hours at a time, to keep her cleaner, and position her in front of food and water. Let her sleep lying down at night. I hope you can help her. Some recommend use of some crushed B Complex vitamin in the food daily.