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Original poster

Chicken limping

9 replies

LoopyLoopsBettyBoops · 11/05/2011 18:03

Hi all, sorry for another question from a novice needing help...

Got our ex batts on Sunday. They seem to be settling in well but one has developed a limp. What should I do? She also seems to have a very red bottom.

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Original poster
LoopyLoopsBettyBoops · 11/05/2011 18:08

No idea why this posted twice, sorry! Blush

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Original poster
LoopyLoopsBettyBoops · 14/05/2011 20:52

Now another of the hens is limping. :( Any idea what I should do? I'm assuming they are both sprained. The others seems to be pecking their injured feet. Is it likely to be something else? I've Googled as much as I can and can't find anything really, apart from advice to watch them for a few weeks. Is purple gentian worth trying perhaps?

Any advice appreciated. :)

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Original poster
LoopyLoopsBettyBoops · 15/05/2011 09:06

Anyone? Please? :(

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ditavonteesed · 15/05/2011 09:10

give them a while, they jhave never walked before. there is not a lot you can do about a limp but keep an eye if it gets any worse, do they have anything they need to jump up as they will not be strong enough to do that for a while yet?

ditavonteesed · 15/05/2011 09:12

oh and if you are really worried there 8is a helpline ion the BHWT website you could give them a call. if it is something other than an injury the whole flock will likely be affected.

Original poster
LoopyLoopsBettyBoops · 15/05/2011 09:14

Thank you so much! I think it's probably the ladder to get up to their coop that they have come off badly. They seem fine in themselves, and are eating, drinking, laying nicely. They went out in the garden for the first time yesterday and were absolutely fine, apart from the limp.

Would you put anything on it? Gentian / arnica etc? I hate the thought of them being in pain. :(

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ditavonteesed · 15/05/2011 09:47

they should come right on their own, but yolu need to do something about the ladder, how is the coop set up can you patch something together to make it into a gentle slope? I have a cube and it was a month before they were strong enough to do a ladder.

mummymeister · 15/05/2011 10:56

Agree that you need to have a look at how they get up to the coop. These girls have been shut in for so long that even something like a ladder is a real trial for them. Try a slope or if you have the space then separate the limping ones out and try them in an ark. Always a good idea to have both a coop and an ark so that if you do get a sick chicken you can separate it from the flock really quickly. Firstly in case it has anything infectious and secondly sick chickens do get picked on (natures way) Mine have always got in and out using just a door on the flat because they are incredibly weak for the first month. Good luck and don't be worried about asking the BHWT helpline for advice. Also, have a chat with whoever you got the girls from they will be only too glad to give help and advice. Be aware also that your ex batts may not all make it past the first couple of weeks. a lifetime of antibiotics in their food means that they arent really prepared for all the bugs. Well done to you though for having a go with them!

Original poster
LoopyLoopsBettyBoops · 16/05/2011 22:33

Thank you all for your advice. I contacted the BHWT (got the hens from there) and he agreed that i was probably a strain and should right itself.

The ladder isn't all that steep, but I guess they aren't used to it yet. I've asked DH to take a look at what can be done, but they need to get in somehow!

Thank you all, hoping they will be better soon. :)

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