Chick with broken leg- please help!!

[LoveseedFarms]

Ok, so I had fifteen chicks shipped in for a science project and one of them has a broken leg, I think it's on the inside of the hip (near its ribs??) I'm going to have my vet check it out but was wondering if anyone could help me figure out a solution so that it can at least walk. Although I'm hoping I haven't waited to long - as the break happened last week if I am correct - because its leg has started to grow stiff. I feel really bad that I haven't already asked, and I'm hoping it can still be fixed. I'll update pictures later ( I'm in school right now).

 

[MairyMai]

As sad as it might be, a broken leg especially that far up will result in a series of problems for your chicken in the future. Bringing your chick to the vet is smart, you could also try making it a cast using broken Popsicle sticks and surgeon tape. However, like I said before, a break that far up will probably never recover. I am wishing your chick the best of luck.

Mairyn

 

[LoveseedFarms]

As sad as it might be, a broken leg especially that far up will result in a series of problems for your chicken in the future. Bringing your chick to the vet is smart, you could also try making it a cast using broken Popsicle sticks and surgeon tape. However, like I said before, a break that far up will probably never recover. I am wishing your chick the best of luck.

Mairyn

Thank you for the input, I hope maybe there is a slight chance but I will understand if it doesn't heal. Do you think she might still be able to move around or lay eggs in the future? I'm just curious because she seems to be able to maneuver herself around by hopping with her leg held up off the ground, and honestly I'm intrigued with the resilience of these birds. They seem to hide their pain very well

 

[MairyMai]

Chickens take pain extremely well which essentially helps when you need to proceed surgery with then. As much as I love trying to help the underdog animals it is important to know when they need help and when they just need to be put down. It sounds like your chick is probably doing pretty well, however, I am worried that as its leg needs to grow it will experience more problems that could lead to a very difficult and painful life. Because her leg is not supporting her weight, I would say she is probably going through a lot of pain. As far as laying eggs go I am really not sure, my guess would be that her leg might jink up other parts of her body which could cause her issues as far as laying eggs goes. Really it is up to you, it never hurts to give it a try, and maybe the vet will be able to help your chick better than I can from here. Once again wishing you the best of luck, i'll be here if you need me or if you have an update

 

[red horse ranch]

I have a Sapphire hen with a broken leg close to her hip this summer. She has since recovered but I think she will always limp from now on. She does get around just fine and she still lays beautiful large eggs. Chickens heal fast so don't give up on your hen.

I've known of one legged chickens that survive just fine and lead long lives. If your hen is able to hop around and get food and water then give her time and see what happens. You may be surprised at how well she does.

 

[MairyMai]

Wow, that's great. I have actually never heard of a Sapphire hen. I just looked them up, beautiful chickens.

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

https://theiwrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Duerr_Splinting_Manual_2010.pdf

That link leads to checking for and splinting breaks. If you can take it to a vet that's best. Maybe your science project will be making a chicken wheelchair.

 

[MairyMai]

A chicken wheelchair, now why didn't I come up with that The PDF is great, I skimmed through it, seems like it has a lot of great information in it.

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

@Wyorp Rock shared it with me. I've shared it several times.

 

[LoveseedFarms]

Thank you all for all of this information!!! As soon as I get home from school I will examine her more carefully and try to post pictures, she is almost two weeks old now. Also I forgot to add that she seems to be eating and drinking like normal, but after reading that PDF I'm concerned that maybe I should find a way of securing the leg to her body so as to limit movement of the leg when she hops?? I will be taking her to the vet today if all goes well (we're kinda low on gas money so I have to wait until I can pay my mom some gas money). Also the vet has agreed to check her out for free, and I'm wondering how silly I must sound, wanting an x-ray of a two week old chicken but hey, whatever helps, am I right??