Solitary chicken - need advice

[PurpleTree]

I know there's been a couple of threads already, but I thought I'd post my problem.

 

I noticed Squeak limping a few days ago, but it seemed some of the time I looked at her she was limping, then I'd look at her again and she'd be walking fine. I picked her up and couldn't see anything obvious.

 

Yesterday she seemed a bit worse, but she was still pottering around the garden and jumping up onto the bench (and off again). I picked her up again, but still couldn't see a problem, she didn't squark or wriggle as if she was in pain. She then went and hid under the bench.

 

This morning she's barely come out of the nest box, when she did make a brief appearance she looked even worse, was trying to hop around on one leg. I'm worried I might have made it worse by having a feel of her leg yesterday. Although I had noticed on previous days she seemed worse after sitting/perching on the bench for a while, so I was wondering if it stiffens up.

 

Anyway any advice on what I should do? I don't really have a suitable way of bringing her in, and I don't think she'd be keen on the idea.

[The Dogmother]

Try dosing her up on extra calcium (limestone flour with a dab of cod liver oil is good) and some Arnica pilllules and restrict her movement if possible. Inspect her feet and legs for any obvious wounds, but if she doesn't improve, get her to the vet.

[chelsea]

I agree with the above advice. Our Acorn was limping and we tried her with limestone flour initially after an examination. Eventually we had to take her to the vet as it was not improving and she had in fact pulled a ligament and has been wearing a splint ever since. (they take a long time to heal apparently).

 

So keep an eye on the leg.