Dolly Posted July 28, 2011 Share Posted July 28, 2011 On returning from their hen holiday last weekend, one of our hens seemed to be limping slightly. I put it down to them staying in a Cube rather than an Eglu which they're used to, and perhaps she'd sprained something getting up/down the ladder. By this morning the limp was practically gone however this evening it suddenly returned but is much more noticeable. I should mention she has recently finished a course of antibiotics for a blocked crop problem she had over a week ago but has since been fine and perky, other than the limp and not laying for 3 days (which is unusual for her). Her droppings have been a bit looser than usual today too. Should I be concerned about something more sinister than a sprain? I've got a provisional appointment at the vets tomorrow but it's with a vet who isn't particularly clued up about poultry, or will it be ok to wait until I can get in to see the poultry expert? Thanks everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groovychook Posted July 29, 2011 Share Posted July 29, 2011 It could be that she has a calcium deficiency... A few years ago, I had a girl who had a problem with a limp, she also wasn't laying either and it turned out that she needed more calcium in her diet. Somebody on the forum suggested that I add some limestone flour to her feed- I sprinkled it on some porridge made out of pellets. Apparently a lack of calcium can mean that a hen can start to absorb calcium from their body in order to help with shell quality. Just a thought... I'm no expert, but it might be an avenue worth exploring! Hope your girl perks up soon. Just thought I should add that I'm sure I've read that you shouldn't give them limestone flour every day, but I normally give them some a couple of times a week- just about a teaspoonful at a time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
