dislocated 4th toe

[kinnip]

I suspect one of my more acrobatic hens has a dislocated 4th toe. It's been that way for a few days. I was too busy looking for signs of bumblefoot to notice the toe. It's pointing forward instead of backward and there is no noticeable swelling. She is limping. Should I try to put it back where it belongs, or leave it? I was hoping it was just a sprain and would heal on its own, but I don't want her to be permanently impaired.

 

[sammi]

it probably would be ok to try and fix it..and use a soft splint..like a band aid and card board...

are you sure it's not from vitamin deficiency?
is she eating well?
if you have some Poly-vi-sol..you can use that..
and some extra protein and yogurt to help her heal.

 

[kinnip]

She likes to do crazy things and can really fly. She gets really high up in a tree, then just jumps straight down, about 15 ft. Last week, she flew over the house.
It actually looked a little better this morning. She's been trying to take it easy. I thought about putting her in a carrier, but she's such a free spirit and I'm such a softy. She's my favourite hen and my main concern with the toe is that she won't be able to engage in the same behaviours that put her in this place to begin with. Sick huh? I just love to see her loving life and being bold. I took a look at it with a mind to taping, but she's quite small and the toe is about 1/2 in. claw and all. She's still eating and getting around just fine. The roo must know something is amiss with her, he's taken some time off mounting her. That was my main worry. A roo twice her size on her back wouldn't be particularly therapeutic. I'll take a poke at it later.