Scotty Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Hi Guys, I wonder if anyone can give me some advice here... I have a new ex-bat "little Dot" who I "think" at some stage during her life of being an battery hen, broke her leg, Its since heeled but badly. (im only guessing this is whats happened) In the cold weather she can't put any weight on it and hops round the garden and in and out of the hen house on 1 leg. As it warms up she puts a little more weight on it but still hops. - the other hens seem to ignore her, occasionally she might get a little peck but nothing serious. She's eatting well and still laying. Is there anything I can give her to reduce the pain (do they feel pain?- someone told me that birds don't??? ) So I'm assuming its a kind of arthritis. Anyway - any advice would be welcome for us and her of course! Speak soon I hope! scotty & Little Dot! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 well what absolute tosh... yes course they feel pain. You are probably right but prob only a vet or very exp person can tell, there could be some other reason. The vet can prescribe an anti inflammatory probably metacam. You could also try Arnica but pref RRA Rhus Tox, Roiter(not sure if that is how spelt), arnica. also comfrey is good anti inflam,but due to overdose causing liver damage I don't "think" it is purchasable. (I am going to grow some, I think you can buy it as a tea tho.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Just popping this into Chicken Clinic where you might get more replies! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted June 2, 2009 Author Share Posted June 2, 2009 Just to let you all know... I've managed to get an appointment with a chicken vet on thursday. I'll keep you posted on what he says. Strangely enough, Dot is now putting her foot to the ground, Still limping badly but not half as bad as it was! Thanks Guys! v Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted June 5, 2009 Share Posted June 5, 2009 Hi Scotty. what did the vet say? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted June 5, 2009 Author Share Posted June 5, 2009 I've got to say the vet was fantastic. He felt the leg and he's acknowledged that its inflamed, he's started us of on antibiotics and anti- Inflammatories, we're to stay on these for 2 weeks. If we don't see any change then he's going down the route of a possible broken knee that's fixed but fixed incorrectly/ torn ligament or worse scenario bone cancer. Im glad he's going down this route first rather than jumping in at the deep end and us facing a huge vet bill. the fun part of course is giving the drugs to the chicken! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted June 5, 2009 Share Posted June 5, 2009 oh good the anti inflam will def help. you say "new ex bat" how new? If very new, are you giving extra calcium? Even non ex bats can limp if short of calcium, which all the ex bats are. If not there are various options Limestone flour readily available most horsey places less than £2 for small bag, also cod liver oil(same places. Or liquid supplements, Zolcal D: Davonia: Nutrabol: also one for tortoises that has phosphorus also. you can also use arnica or RRA (homeopayhic) oh and cherries are said to be good for inflammation. Lidles sell jar for 99p I am told but only paid couple pence more in Morrison's! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted June 7, 2009 Author Share Posted June 7, 2009 God thanks for that, really helpful, it wouldn't harm if I treated all of my girls... My new exbat arrived at the end of March. she's actually putting her foot the ground now so definitely an improvement. Once again thanks for the information vicky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
