Unsecure chicken perches

[chocolateeclaire]

Update on Patsy my Silky who appears to have permanent leg damage ? from getting her leg stuck in the bars of the cube.

She is eating and trying to keep up with the others but she is very one sided and falls over a lot. Her wing doesnt seem strong enough to support her and she doesnt seem very good at hopping.

I darent leave her out when I am not at home as she is attacting the attention of the cats and I do now know if she can move fast enough to get away. My old rabbit Duke is very good at chasing cats away but if he is snoozing somewhere he may not notice!!

Would it be kinder to have her put down.

Claire

[good_egg]

Sorry to sound harsh, but I'm not convinced by the cube bar theory - sounds like there might be something more serious wrong.... When Viv was unable to use her leg she could always support herself on her wing like a crutch, and when both stopped working then she still managed to fly.... Are you sure it is just her leg that is a problem or is it something more progressive? Has a vet seen her? This might answer your question for you.

[Olly]

I would think the cats will still be scared off by a bit of flapping and squawking, but it sounds as if she is not really able to join in with the rest of the flock. The question for me (with any animal) is always 'what is the quality of life like?' and if they can't take part in normal behaviour, whether that's dustbathing, eating/drinking, or being part of the flock, then I don't think it's right to keep them going. Only you can decide, however I'd second goodegg's suggestion that maybe it isn't just a simple injury - knowig what the problem is, and what prospects there are of recovery, might help you to decide.

[Redwing]

I am also not convinced about the cube bars

 

It really does sound like classic Mareks of which there is more than one type

[chocolateeclaire]

My vet has seen her and doesnt think that it is Mareks.

She doesnt have any sensation in her lower joint or foot but the thigh and knee are OK and there is a blood supply.

This is why the vet thinks that it is a nerve injury.

I guess I will take it day by day and see if her mobility improves.

Claire

[sandyhas3chucks]

It may take a while to heal an injury,, it is odd though as there are a fair few one legged hens about...they usually manage to support themselves..???

Can you confine her safely so it can be rested???

[chocolateeclaire]

I have been confining her in the WIR at one end with the rabbits - but she is very keen to be out with the flock and seems to be hopping better today!!

Claire