Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[Boybeck]

You know what it's like, you're in the garden with the chickens getting under your feet.

 

Well, a couple of hours ago I stepped back and trod on one of my chicken's toes (the middle one). I heard a crack.

 

She doesn't seem to be any worse for wear, apart from occasionally lifting up her foot up. She is eating normally and still running about.

 

Will it heal naturally?

 

I can't really imagine a splint staying on with all the scratching she is continuing to do!

 

PS I feel a bit guilty.

[Guest]

well, if you heard a crack you've most likely broken the bone. Chickens (and birds) hide pain and illness so they don't appear to be weak amongst their flock mates but she's most likely in a lot of pain. If it were me i'd take her to the vet.

 

maybe someone will come along with a home remedy??

[Chicken Shirl]

Don't feel guilty, they do get under your feet. I'm sure that if she is running around and doing everything as normal she can't be in much pain. Have you picked her up and had a little feel. It may not be as bad as you think. I know they put splints on their legs, but toes are a bit different. Maybe they are like human toes and they just get better eventually.

[docsquid]

I almost trod on Megan today, they really do get under your feet, so don't feel guilty. Don't know what to suggest as I'm more used to cats than chickens, being a relative chicken beginner! Maybe see how she is over the next 24 hours and if she appears to be favouring her foot, take her to the vet?

[Chicken Shirl]

well, if you heard a crack you've most likely broken the bone. Chickens (and birds) hide pain and illness so they don't appear to be weak amongst their flock mates but she's most likely in a lot of pain. If it were me i'd take her to the vet.

 

maybe someone will come along with a home remedy??

 

Thank's Poet, I just learned something from your post. I had no idea they hid their pain. It makes sense when you think about it.

[Dappy Chick]

I am always treading on the girl's toes and they still get under my feet.

 

Sometimes they just stand there (without making a sound) looking up at me as if to say "she will get off in a minute, can't scream cus it will make me look weak".

 

I would give her toe a good look over - you will soon know if it is damaged and take action on your findings - hope she is OK

[Janty]

I am also always trodding on their feet.

 

 

If I ever feel there may be a problem with one of their legs/feet, I put a coloured leg ring on that leg so that I know which one it is and I can check it easily. It acts as a reminder every time I go into their run and I then check it out.

[Saronne]

I'm always standing on their feet, too. Sometimes they squeak, sometimes they just look at me. So far, they seem okay. On closer inspection, I've not noticed anything untoward.

 

I think the extent of the damage can do a little bit with what they're standing on. Mine are on a thick layer of wood chip which is on the soft side and lessens the impact a little. Anyway, they're not limping and seem happy.

 

Saronne x

[Chucky Mama]

The key to broken bones is to keep the broken edges still to enable healing. If there is no obvious distortion to the bone/toe and she is not lame then it may not be broken. If there is distortion and she is lame then you either need to tape the toe up so that the toe remains still, cushioned and supported or you need to get a vet to do it for you. She will then need restricted space to enforce rest. If she is a little sore but you are confident once examining the toe that it isn't broken she will need rest to promote healing of the bruised toe.

[Boybeck]

Well towards the end of today she showed no sign of trouble and the toe doesn't look disfigured, I'll keep my eye on her.

 

I gave them grapes tonight because I felt bad. If the chicken was sensible it could keep limping to get more sympathy grapes out of me hehehe

[Chucky Mama]

Sounds like you may have got away with it then. I would enforce rest for a day though at least.

[Leicester_H]

I had no idea they hid their pain. It makes sense when you think about it.

Yes - when we had to have Chikki POS, the vet said that they hide illness, pain etc as they don't want to appear as the weakest to potential predators.

H