HELP! Think broken leg!

[Anonymous]

Missed a chicken this evening, and then she showed up when I checked again, but non weight bearing on one leg (so had obviously been hopping over). The leg is fairly cold, and non responsive, possibly the occasional twitch when poked higher up. No obvious breaks, but very concerned.
I'm thinking possible nerve damage? I have left her in the house tonight, she may die overnight but I'm not quite ready to euthanise her (that would be another post to get the correct method!)
I don't know that there's any point in splinting it, as there is no obvious break, except to give her something to stand on?
Father is a surgeon so should be able to give me an opinion in the morning, and I am training to be a vet, but obviously not nearly there yet!
Any thoughts??? No other injuries evident.

 

[Tim]

Hi there,

I'm afraid it's not something I have experience of and if she were mine, I would weigh up the probability of a vet being able to help and then make a tough decision. I'm sure with your training so far you've already made a far better assessment than I could ever make mind you

I wonder how it happened. If there were signs of it being trapped, and no break as you say maybe it could be a ligament thing and rest might help her - I have stepped backwards before and trodden on a chicken's leg and it's caused the poor thing to hobble for a week or two hardly putting any weight on it at first.

Sorry I'm no help really..

Tim

 

[Anonymous]

Hi, thanks, but honestly I'm not that far on! Only done what's normal so far!
Most likely thing is been chased by something, could be one of our small dogs has had a go, or a cat etc., they're free range so can't be anything.
Dad has had a look and reckons it's not obviously broken/in pain so not going to splint it but think just rest and see if she looks like she's getting better/worse.
No, thank you for replying, as you say, the worth of taking a chicken to a vet (when none these days normally have chicken experience) is low, although I wouldn't see her suffer.
We shall see how she goes, she is a bit perkier today.

 

[Tim]

Great pleased she seems happy enough.

Sounds like you've got the right approach. If she's not suffering, time will tell if it gets better..

Anyway, let us know sometime how she gets on, it will be good to know.

Good Luck.

Tim

 

[snifter]

It might not be of any help but I have seen totally lame chickens (one leg) recover after a week or two of resting and quiet. Some have retained a slight hobble but nothing that prevents them from foraging and walking. Just maybe need to make sure they get their share of any treats before others run in. Of course, your hen might be different but it does happen some recover.

 

[Anonymous]

Success! Chicken a week later is hobbling around, and definitely got movement back, so all is well and no dinner recipes needed!

 

[Tim]

Excellent. I'm pleased she's getting better. They do seem to heal amazingly quickly when they are fit and healthy.

Thanks for letting us know.

Tim