4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Tweety]

One of my friend's hens has got a swollen leg and she has no idea what could have caused it. The hen is fine in all other respects - eating, drinking, laying etc - and is walking perfectly well, but one of her legs is very swollen about half way down. The top and bottom of the leg are normal. Has anyone heard of this before? My friend has had hens for many years, and I don't think she would take a poorly hen to the vet, so I just wondered if any of the experts on the forum might have any ideas?

[The Dogmother]

Difficult to tell without seeing the hen, but if she's otherwise OK, you have two choices:

 

Leave as it is and ignore the swelling in the hope that it will go away.

 

Take her to the vet in case it is something serious.

 

Personally, I'd do the latter as I'd not want her to suffer needlessly.

[Tweety]

Thanks Clare. I would definitely take her to the vet if she were mine, but I think my friend would despatch an ailing hen rather than treat her. I shall just have to hope that the leg clears up of its own accord, unless anyone else comes along with another idea.

[The Dogmother]

You can only treat the symptoms, so I'd dose with Arnica to reduce the swelling and heal any tissue trauma.

 

Fingers crossed that it is OK.