Hen limping and losing feathers-no noticeable signs of mites or bumblefoot

[SrirachaSpice]

Thank you in advance to anyone who can help!

My 2yr old buff Orpington hen Pancake has developed a hobble the past few days that has progressed to her struggling to jump onto the perch at night and slowing her movements. She is extremely skittish and hard to handle so I’ve only been able to grab her once to check for bumblefoot and mites and it does not appear that she has any. My thought is maybe a sprain?

In addition, she has been losing feathers on her back and wings for months now but it’s gotten really bad the past few days. We don’t have a rooster and she doesn’t get beat on by the other hens (5 total).

What could possibly be causing these issues, and could they be connected or unrelated? I’ll be isolating her and getting her to the vet but unfortunately they cannot take her this week.

 

[Lillith37]

Maybe she hurt herself trying to get away from the bullies? Do you have the capacity to separate her from the others but where they can still see and talk to each other? Some space might help her build up her confidence.

 

[CCsGarden]

If you can clean her feet in warm water and check again for bumblefoot.

The loss of feathers can be from being pecked on or early molting.

If you separate her the others might get sad. So I would keep her where they can see her.

Hopefully others will help. I don't know much about this but bumblefoot can cause a lot of problems.

 

[SrirachaSpice]

Maybe she hurt herself trying to get away from the bullies? Do you have the capacity to separate her from the others but where they can still see and talk to each other? Some space might help her build up her confidence.

She hasn’t been getting bullied but I did isolate her with the gentlest hen for company. They can’t see the rest of the flock where they are but they can hear them.

 

[SrirachaSpice]

If you can clean her feet in warm water and check again for bumblefoot.

The loss of feathers can be from being pecked on or early molting.

If you separate her the others might get sad. So I would keep her where they can see her.

Hopefully others will help. I don't know much about this but bumblefoot can cause a lot of problems.

I’ll try cleaning her feet if she’ll let me, thank you! She lost a ton of feathers running away from me when I went to catch her to isolate her yesterday. Like flapping her wings caused a bunch to fly off of her wings and butt.

She’s isolated with a friend for company and she can hear the rest of the flock! Unfortunately I can’t set up an isolation spot directly next to the run that’s also safe from predators.

 

[Lillith37]

I’ll try cleaning her feet if she’ll let me, thank you! She lost a ton of feathers running away from me when I went to catch her to isolate her yesterday. Like flapping her wings caused a bunch to fly off of her wings and butt.

She’s isolated with a friend for company and she can hear the rest of the flock! Unfortunately I can’t set up an isolation spot directly next to the run that’s also safe from predators.

I misread your original post and thought you said she was getting beat on by the other hens.

Sounds like she’s moulting.