What would you do?

[MissJenny]

I am so sorry for you and for Kiwi... but I would not act too hastily. I have a few questions -- has she been isoltaed from the flock for a week or more? Is it possible that she continually injures this leg again and again in the skirmishes that result in her being defeathered? If she were mine I would isolate her from the others, keep her calm and quiet. I would amp up her nutrition -- vitamins, protein. And I'd give her a week. If you don't see any improvement after this regimen then I'd say you really did everything possible -- but if she is being injured again and again she may not be able to heal. That's what I would do.

And again, my heart goes out to you,
Jenny

 

[briana1975]

you will need to make a very hard choice. I had to do this to one of my BR girls. Poor thing already had a limp but got around, then she hurt her good leg. I should of put her out of her misery sooner than I did but I so hoped it will heal.

 

[grasjm36]

I have a story:

My fiance's fav hen Ruby, a very animated RIR, was hurt...BAD. She couldnt walk. She couldnt stand up. She stopped laying. She wouldnt eat. And of course was being picked on by the other birds. I think a hawk attacked her and caused severe nerve damage. We seperated her and babied her. It was hard because we both worked long hours and this was the dead of winter. Weeks went by and one day, she was standing again. Another couple days went by and suddenly she was moving slowly around the coop. Today she walks. She walks like a penguin and bull legged. She doesnt lay. Her voice and personality are waay different. But shes alive.

So I'm not too sure if we did the right thing. I mean, she has her life, but shes a completely different bird. Seems like she even had a bit of brain damage after the ordeal. This happened to another hen of mine shortly there after, except it was just a dragging leg situation. She still limps but gets around fine. Shes a top layer now and one of my fav girls. Thankfully I have a covered run now.

Anyways, it is whatever you feel is right in your heart <3

 

[technodoll]

DH and I did discuss the amputation option, there is a vet hospital/university about an hour away that would do it... for a minimum of $400, with no guarantee Kiwi would pull through the anaesthesia, rehabilitation or possible infections... or learn how to walk with one leg. We've already spent $150 for the exam and xrays, I'm out of work at the moment and it's unfortunately not an option at this point.

My poor girl... I'm being forced to toughen up these days, I lost one to cancer last week, one of my newly-hatched olive egger girls was born with deformed feet and we don't know if she'll need to be culled... my favorite roo almost died from a severe lung infection and now Kiwi.

*deep breath*