Well, (s)he was still limping yesterday. Not out scratching with the others. Just lying down in the weak sunshine. I'm new to chickens, so I checked the sort of things I'd look at for any injured pet or livestock animal.
Eating/drinking? Yes to both, just prefers to do so from a prone position.
Eyes are bright and clear.
Bird is alert.
Skin/coat- Wattles and comb are normal colors (just assuming that sick bird might have pale comb), no obvious abrasions/bruising/swelling anywhere, feathers have a healthy sheen.
The only off signs are the limping, lying down most of the time, and calmness (this bird is normally very skittish). I went out and caught him last night, and he only half heartedly made an escape attempt. All I got was an outraged squawk. Didn't even peck me. I held him until he was totally relaxed, and checked both legs and feet, though he appears to be favoring the left. Bones seem sound, no abrasions or discolorations. He didn't seem to mind the poking and prodding. He actually seemed to be enjoying the attention. If he is a roo, and he recovers, he may end up a friendly bird. Maybe.
In any case, not sure what else to look for. Any suggestions would be welcome. I'm hoping it's just a sprain or something of that sort. He is going in the coop each night and coming out during the day. If it gets worse, I may bring him in and put him in a crate for a couple days and see if that helps. Ah well. We'll see how it goes.
(update, July 2011... This bird recovered completely, and we never figured out what was wrong with him. Yes, him. He is a monstrously huge and lovely Welsummer rooster.)
3 comments:
I have nothing helpful to say except that it sounds like you're looking for all the right things. If (s)he's eating and drinking there's no harm in letting him/her be for a few days and just seeing what happens. Maybe confining him/her to a crate or a small enclosure, just to minimize any movement that might exacerbate a strain, if it is a strain? We're at the not-quite-beginner end of the chicken spectrum, and the wait-and-see approach has worked for us, twice! Good luck!
Miriam - It's helpful just to hear that I'm likely looking for the right stuff/behaviors/etc. Thanks!!
I read something about Bumblefoot? Hope I spelled that right. Hopefully it is just a stumped toe!! :-) I'm rooting for quick healing and that it's nothing that will end up too scary...I'm also new at chickens, so I dread these upcoming moments that are sure to come. Let us know how it works out and how you were able to handle it...sounds like you are doing everything you can already. You are a sweet farmer!
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