Injured Pullet With Swollen Hock Seeking Advice

[HennaHatcher]

Hello everyone,

Last Thursday, I noticed that one of my 7-month-old Black Copper Marans pullets was sitting on the ground instead of moving with the flock. When another hen chased her, she limped to a new spot and sat down again. Upon closer inspection, I found that her left hock is visibly swollen compared to her right. There are no other signs of swelling, and the rest of her leg appears normal.

When I touched the swollen hock, she reflexively kicked her leg, which makes me think its painful. I immediately placed her in a wire dog crate inside the coop with food and water so she could rest while still being around the flock. She spends most of her time sitting but does stand up occasionally to eat and drink, though she avoids putting weight on her left leg.

The swollen area doesnt feel very warm to the touch, but Ive noticed a yellowish-green tinge on the sidepossibly bruising from an injury? Or could it be an infection? Despite the limp, she is eating and drinking well, her droppings look normal, and she hasnt shown any other signs of illness. However, she has not laid an egg since being isolated. Im unsure if thats due to stress, pain, or if she simply hasnt started laying yet, as her sisters only began a few weeks ago.

For treatment, Ive been giving her a half-tablet of B-Complex daily. The flock is fed an all-flock feed with oyster shell available on the side, and they always have access to clean water. No treats are given. I havent observed any similar symptoms in my other birds.

It has now been six days, and Im not seeing much improvement. I know from past experience that limping chickens can take time to recover, but Id appreciate any advice on what else I could try. Unfortunately, taking her to a vet isnt an option for me.

Has anyone dealt with something similar? Any thoughts on whether this could be an injury, infection, or a vitamin deficiency? Id love to hear your recommendations. Thanks in advance!

[Eggspeditionist]

Epsom salt soaks may help with inflammation. Consider wrapping the joint for extra support.

[HatchMaster]

That yellow-green tinge could be bruising. Keep her crated and observe for swelling or worsening symptoms.

[NestNomad]

Hello everyone,

Last Thursday, I noticed that one of my 7-month-old Black Copper Marans pullets was sitting on the ground instead of moving with the flock. When another hen chased her, she limped to a new spot and sat down again. Upon closer inspection, I found that her left hock is visibly swollen compared to her right. There are no other signs of swelling, and the rest of her leg appears normal.

When I touched the swollen hock, she reflexively kicked her leg, which makes me think its painful. I immediately placed her in a wire dog crate inside the coop with food and water so she could rest while still being around the flock. She spends most of her time sitting but does stand up occasionally to eat and drink, though she avoids putting weight on her left leg.

The swollen area doesnt feel very warm to the touch, but Ive noticed a yellowish-green tinge on the sidepossibly bruising from an injury? Or could it be an infection? Despite the limp, she is eating and drinking well, her droppings look normal, and she hasnt shown any other signs of illness. However, she has not laid an egg since being isolated. Im unsure if thats due to stress, pain, or if she simply hasnt started laying yet, as her sisters only began a few weeks ago.

For treatment, Ive been giving her a half-tablet of B-Complex daily. The flock is fed an all-flock feed with oyster shell available on the side, and they always have access to clean water. No treats are given. I havent observed any similar symptoms in my other birds.

It has now been six days, and Im not seeing much improvement. I know from past experience that limping chickens can take time to recover, but Id appreciate any advice on what else I could try. Unfortunately, taking her to a vet isnt an option for me.

Has anyone dealt with something similar? Any thoughts on whether this could be an injury, infection, or a vitamin deficiency? Id love to hear your recommendations. Thanks in advance!

Chickens can take time to heal from leg injuries. Keep up with vitamins, limit movement, and watch for worsening symptoms. If she improves, she should recover fully!

[HenEnthusiast]

It's good that she's still eating and drinking normally, but the lack of improvement after six days is concerning. Since you can't take her to a vet, your best bet is to continue monitoring for changes. You could try using a natural anti-inflammatory like turmeric or even adding electrolytes to her water. If you have poultry-safe pain relief, it might help her stay comfortable while she heals.

[BeakyBandit]

If she's still not using the leg much, she may need more than just rest. You could try splinting or gently wrapping the joint for support.

[RusticRoo]

The yellow-green color suggests bruising, but it could also indicate early infection. Monitor for increased swelling or warmth. You're doing the right thing keeping her crated.

[CluckWhisperer]

A swollen hock with bruising often means an injury rather than an infection. Since she's eating and drinking well, you're on the right track keeping her crated and limiting movement. Injuries like these can take weeks to heal, so patience is key. You might try an anti-inflammatory like aspirin water (diluted properly) or turmeric in her feed to help with swelling. If you notice increased warmth or a foul smell, infection could be developing, and an antibiotic might be needed. Keep an eye on her weight-bearing ability,if she starts using it more, that's a great sign.

[FowlAfficionado]

Given that she's still eating and showing no signs of distress beyond limping, this could just be a bad sprain. Sometimes, injuries take longer to heal than expected. If you can, try gently feeling along the leg to see if she reacts strongly to any particular spot, which might indicate a fracture. Since she's a young bird, she has a good chance of recovery with continued rest. I'd avoid putting her back with the flock too soon, as they might bully her if she's still weak.