cornishgirl Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 Hi everyone, I have just registered on here and am wondering if any one is able to help me? We have 7 Hens, light sussex and orpingtons and an orpington cockrel. my favourite black orpington Henny Penny has a problem and I am not sure what to do. Last night at tucking up time I went to close the coop door and she was outside on the floor outside asleep. Which is ever so strange as they all take themselves to bed. This morning she wouldn't get up. I brought her inside and she is currently in the utility room in a crate with food and water she seems very happy, she is eating and is alert but if she stands its not for long she seems a bit wonky and sits back down. I am pretty sure its her leg causing the problem but nothing obvious to look at. So where do i go from here? WOuld you take to the vets or give her a rest for a while? SHe is very tame and i think enjoying the attention I have added cider vinegar to her water. But ever so worried about her! Please help I would be very grateful xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
good_egg Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 Just posted on you washing question asking if you knew what had caused - obv not! Have you had a feel of her legs, is there a tender area or any signs of damage, is there an area that is hotter? That would be my start point. Next feel her stomach, we had a lame hen due to peritonitis and I believe anything pressing on the nerves can cause lameness so egg stuck, growth etc - quite extreme so wouldn't jump to worst case conclusion unless there is other evidence. If you can't find any obvious injury to the leg I would take her to the vet (or if it is swollen, hot etc to get painkillers) Good luck. Oh, and welcome to the forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimi5 Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 Oh dear, they are a worry. I'd say be safer than sorry and take her to the vet. It's good that she's inside getting some TLC, but she could have any number of things and it's difficult to try and guess/ suggest what to do!! I lost my cockerel very suddenly ( to Marek's, he had to be PTS ) recently and he was my favourite!!! I hope your girl makes a full recovery!! Please let us know how you get on?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coco Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 I would take her to the vet. One of my hens couldn't stand and she had a fractured leg. The vet prescribed Metacam and keeping her quiet. I put her in the WIR in a dog crate with shelter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 If she can't stand up then it's possibly an injury, or it could be something neurological - either way I'm afraid she is unlikely to recover on her own and it's not likely to be something you can easily treat. I would take her to a vet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cornishgirl Posted January 14, 2013 Author Share Posted January 14, 2013 Thank you everyone for all of your replies. I suddenly thought could she be egg bound? I have tried bathing her for 20 mins but no egg yet. Just thought I would try a few things before the vets. I have booked an appointment for 4pm today to get her checked out. just if she is egg bound is there anything else i can do? xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merlina Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 It was my washing thread not cornishgirl's But I seem to have the same problem After 24 hours I still have a hen that can't stand - it's like there's just no strength in her legs. She was due to go to the vet, but we're just about snowed in now (and i don't fancy trying it and both of us getting stuck!) There's no injury, she's eating and drinking, she's laid an egg this morning. Apart from (very) runny poo and the not standing she seems bright and alert - although rather nonplussed to have spent the night in the bath! I gave her metacam yesterday & this morning, am inclined to start her on antibiotics (have checked all dosage) She's also had some limestone flour and some probiotics Any thoughts appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
