Injured Pullet With Swollen Hock Seeking Advice
Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2025 6:42 pm
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!
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!