2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[weatherbee]

Hello, I am new to chicken keeping - we've had our hens just over a week - I'd welcome some advise on chicken toes!

 

Today I noticed tone of our hen's toes seems to be sticking out at a funny angle. It doesn't seem to be causing her any pain, she's not limping or walking oddly and when I picked her up to examine it it didn't seem any different from the other toes, not swollen or discoloured or anything.

 

But she IS quite a clumsy hen - and I don't remember her toe sticking out like this before. Could she have broken her toe? And if so, how should I treat it?

 

Thanks!

[Chucky Mama]

If it is fixed in this position there is not an awful lot that you can do about it as it will have fused. To fix it straight would involve rebreaking it which isn't an option. If it is not fixed ans is wobbling around in this position it is worth taking her to a vet in order to get it splinted or taped in a normal position. If you do this is it would be sensible to get your vet to show you have to reapply the splint or tape so that you can continue treatment at home. If it stays in this odd position and she is not limping then she will cope perfectly well although will be more inclined to catch it on things. She may also wear the foot in an abnormal way so it is worth checking her regularly for sore patches.

[weatherbee]

Thanks Chucky Mama. We put a splint on ourselves this morning, and she seems to be managing fine - she's walking and running about very happily (the windy weather seems to have made her and her crew a bit giddy today!) Thank you for the advice to check for sore patches, too - it wouldn't have occurred to me.

[Chucky Mama]

Do keep an eye on things re the splint as if it is too tight she will loose circulation and could loose the toe, too loose and she will get sore.