The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: madchickenlady on February 18, 2014, 04:29:19 pm
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One of my hens has been lame now for a couple of weeks (possibly from attentions of an over zealous cockerel - now removed from the flock). This happened to another hen a month or so back and I removed her and kept her in a cage in the house by night and in a small run on her own by day, she recovered in a few days and is back with the flock, this one though is showing no signs of improvement following the same treatment. She is eating and drinking fine and manages to get about but seems to drag her foot at times. I am now considering culling which is a shame as she is only about nine months old and one of my first hatchlings. :'(
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I had one injured a year or two back and separated her into her own run full time for at least 3 weeks if not 4, which is how long it took her to fully recover. I would give your one a bit longer before culling, given her age and likely productivity.
But then I have a young CL hen about 7-8 months old which only has one leg and has permanent separate accommodation from the flock tho only separated by mesh and socialises well enough within that safety zone. She laid her first (blue) egg today and I wasn't sure it'd not be crushed when she got up, but I'm delighted it looks like she's going into production and if she lays, she's viable lame or one legged or no, as far as I'm concerned :)
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Thanks ellied, will leave her for the time being, she does seem happy enough. :)
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If there are leg or foot problems make sure the hen has plenty of soft bedding and a soft surface in the run or her impaired gait may lead to bumblefoot.