pullet with injured leg

[smiert]

Please help! My pullet is 7 months old and several weeks ago she injured her leg. I think she broke it, but not a compound fracture. She just sort of hops on one leg and uses the injured one to step lightly on. The joint after the foot is swollen and feels warm. But she still eats, poops, and gets around the yard (by hopping). Is there anything that I should be doing for her? I isolated her this morning to restrict her movement. I should mention that when I felt the swollen joint, it felt as if there was fluid in there. Other than the hopping, she acts and looks fine, although not yet mature. She doesn't get up on the roost at night, but finds a corner of the coop to sleep in. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[faykokoWV]

sorry to hear about your injured chicken. I'm not an expert, but I if its hot, there may be an infection. do you have access to an avian vet? antibiotics may be needed, also I suppose you could try splinting the leg? two weeks out that may not be helpful though.

 

[smiert]

Thanks for your reply, Faykokowv. Her hock doesn't feel hot,just warm. I don't have an avian vet near. I've pretty much just let her deal with it, thinking if it was broken it would self mend. As long as she is eating and hopping around I guess I will let her be. But I am keeping her separate from the other hens so she doesn't have to work hard to get her share of food. Thanks again.