Pullet With Unknown Leg Injury - Please Help!

[KMJonzy]

One of my 14 week old pullets got out of the run yesterday (totally my fault; I've since fixed the issue) and the dog got a hold of her. Thankfully, the dog just grabbed her and ran, but didn't make it too far before we caught up. She was definitely in shock last night - panting, etc. After checking her over, we made sure she got a drink of water and then let her rest in a dark, warm corner of the coop. Later on yesterday evening she got up on the roost with the other girls, though she had to hobble a bit to do it. I could tell her left leg was hurting. I gave her some dried meal worms and another drink of water, and let her be for the night.

This morning she got down from the roost and stood on both legs for a minute or two. I did a quick visual inspection of the leg without disturbing her while she was standing, and visually all looks fine. But she hobbled a couple steps and then lay down. She's moved to a little box of dirt I keep in the corner of the coop for the girls and seems content to stay there. I'm thinking her leg may be injured higher up (maybe at the joint to the body?) - should I disturb her to check it out further? Is there anything I can/should do for her, or do I let her rest and just make sure she's safe and fed/watered? I'm so worried for her. I'd be so grateful for any tips or advice - this is my first flock injury and I want to give her proper care.

 

[coach723]

She may just be bruised or have a sprain or strain. Often time is all that is needed. If you have a wire crate, you can put her in that in the run with the rest of the chickens, that will keep her from being picked on but can still see and be seen by the flock, that is usually less stressful for them. It will also restrict her movement and allow for her to rest the leg. As long as she's eating and drinking normally, I would give her some time. Sometimes giving them periods in a chicken sling will let them rest the limb, but you need to supervise. Some will freak out and hurt themselves worse. Examples below. I will give you a link to an article on examining for and splinting all kinds of fractures, though fractures up near the hip often will require surgery to stablize. Hopefully it is just really sore. https://theiwrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Duerr_Splinting_Manual_2010.pdf