Phosphorus Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 Hi, one of my girls has been limping the last few days. She seems okay in herself and is coming out of the run when the others are let free range, but is obviously in some discomfort walking or standing - she is sitting down a lot. Really alert though, not hunched or anything. She laid two days ago and I don't think she laid a softie (although someone has been a lot lately - didn't think it was her). When she does walk round she is obviously favouring her right leg, like she has trodden on something - but can't see anything obvious on it. Wondered whether it could be calcium (Egluntine - limestone flour? - where do you get yours?) I have given them extra shell in pots (they always have a pot anyway but do get through it). Or does it sound like she needs a vet visit? I have left her in with the other girls for now as they are not bothering her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 I get my limestone flour from an equestrian type shop locally. You can get it via ebay, as sold for reptiles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 In my experience, as long as there are no signs of injury she should be ok in time. One of my girls bruised her foot on the eglu run and one of my ex batts arrived with a limp, but there was no visible injury and both were fine after a couple of weeks. I would check her leg and foot for any obvious wounds first , then give her a week or so to see if things improve, which I hope they do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budgies Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 When the girls are in lay, the texture of their bones changes completely and becomes more porous. Thus it's a lot easier for them to do a bit of damage to a toe or a foot, when hopping off a perch for example. It sounds as though she's fine in herself, so I would just up her calcium for week or so and see how she goes. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 I watched something about parrots, and they normally have dense bones, but when they're about to lay an egg, to get calcium they pull it out of their bones and as Budgies said, they become porous and a lot less dense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phosphorus Posted May 13, 2009 Author Share Posted May 13, 2009 Thanks all. She does seem to be okay in herself still. I have a provisional vet appointment for tonight just incase. Will see how she goes today, I might postpone it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tidygirlsuk Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 I get my limestone flour from an equestrian type shop locally. You can get it via ebay, as sold for reptiles. Do you put it into the feed ? And how much per chicken ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ms Marple Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 I don't know for sure. I sprinkle a small amount into porridge and they eat it up with delight. About a level teaspoonful I guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubereglu Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 I've had limping chickens before-usually it's Muddles who manages it and it's usually caused by her jumping off the compost heap and landing at an odd angle on the paving slabs underneath-she was alright after about a week and a half, just a bit lazy. Make sure you check your hen's foot and leg movements properly and see if there is any swelling. When Muddles did it I think she just sprained her leg as there was no obvious soreness at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phosphorus Posted May 13, 2009 Author Share Posted May 13, 2009 Thanks everyone. Rosie, my hen with a limp, is a lot better today, so vet wasn't needed afterall. I am going to watch her for the next few days incase it returns but she was running around a bit today and walking with much less favour to her leg. I did check her yesterday for any obvious injury or swelling, movement was fine. Only slight irritation was where she had been sitting down so much and resting on her legs but that seems better today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budgies Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 So glad to hear that Rosie is improving, great news, thanks for the update! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Do you put it into the feed ? And how much per chicken ? I do and I'd say about a level dessert spoonful to a grub full of pellets. Not very scientific or exact. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 You know, I don't know how many times I've read about using Limestone flour but only tonight after reading Poet's post, and feeding the Tortoise, I realised I've been buying it for years!! Hughie has it sprinkled on his food, but it just hasn't clicked before they're the same How much do you all pay for it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budgies Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 Don't forget to only treat with extra calcium rations when you feel it's necessary. Their food should provide the right balance of calcium and phosphorous, and administering more calcium on a long term basis can cause kidney problems. As for quantities, I added half a heaped teaspoon to one teaspoon per hen each day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drliz Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 Dear all thank you for this excellent answer to the question i no longer need to post! I've noticed one of my girls is limping, no obvious injury, otherwise fine & still very eager to eat Raisins (and laid me a beautiful breakfast egg this morning). So i'm now reassured & will wait & see. I note that one of the other injured chooks is called Muddles - well mine is called Fuggles so maybe its all in the name!! She is the one of the three who is most likely to do something silly too. thanks again Liz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budgies Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 Hi Liz, hope Fuggles shows signs of improving soon, it's a common time of year for leg injuries. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
