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

[oggybags]

Gladys, our Gingernut Ranger, disappeared on Monday lunchtime whilst free ranging. I was only in the house for half an hour or so and returned to no chickens. After a frantic search, Maude was found cowering under a bush and all that remained of Gladys were a few ginger feathers in next doors garden.

 

Having cleared these away we got used to the idea of having to introduce 2 new girls so that Maude wouldn't feel so alone when I returned home from work today to find Gladys sat in a disused veg plot eating some seed that had been scattered yesterday!!!!

 

Our next door neighbour had found her in the flower bed of his garden this afternoon and had returned her to our garden. Having got over the initial shock and delight that she could survive 48 hours in the open, particularly with the heavy rain we have had, I noticed her injuries.

 

This is where I would appreciate any advice. The feathers I found had clearly been ripped from her chest which is red raw but she also appears to have a badly damaged/broken leg. She seems ok hopping around using her wings to balance but is clearly uncomfortable. I felt after her adventure/ordeal she should get the best chance to pull through and having sought advice from a friend who is a vet she said that one of her chickens has survived a recent broken leg and has even started laying again. She suggested we keep Maude and Gladys apart to prevent bullying and apply a splint to Gladys' leg to aid recovery.

 

Gladys will now be in temporary accomodation in our old greenhouse but in terms of the splint, I presume we just attach a small stick/lollipop stick or something similar and let her hobble around on this - has anyone had to do similar?

 

Thanks in advance for your advice

[Olly]

Sorry, no experience of this - what a relief to find her again though.

 

I think I'd seek vet advice on splinting a leg, although it may be possible to DIY I'd be worried about splinting it in the wrong position. I'm going to pop this into Chicken Clinic where you'll probably get more answers.

[Lewis]

How great that you found her

I'd take her to a vet, if it was a cat/fox she may need antibiotics.

[Egluntyne]

I think you should take her to the vet to have her leg splinted. If you do it incorrectly you might make matters worse.

 

Also, the vet will be able to prescribe adequate pain relief and assess her other wounds.

[Chucky Mama]

I would definately advise a trip to the vet. It is very easy and common for infections to set in when chickens break legs so she may need anti biotics (and pain relief). There is also so little tissue over their bones that it is easy for bone ends to pierce the skin which can be a real problem regarding infection. Splinted and covered with anti biotics though there is no reason why she shouldn't do well. Good Luck and keep us posted

Edited August 6, 2009 by Guest

[Ain't Nobody Here]

How great that you found her . I tend to agree that a vet is needed - I'd worry about doing it wrong .

[Gamebird]

Sorry to hear about Gladys.

 

Another member of the forum had a chicken with a broken leg. Her girl made a complete recovery with the expertise of a good vet. See link