HELP!

[Abby]

Went to feed tonite and one of my chickens is limping! Could it be frostbite?

I have hay on the floor, but its very cold and they keep moving it around.

I don't want to lose Gracie, hubby wants to eat her.

Thanks

Lee

 

[ChrystalPaths]

Could be her feet are cold but she'll be ok. Chickens are very hardy (depending on the type of course) they fluff up their feathers and sit down on their feet. Do you have a roost set up for them to get UP off the ground. That is very important. In winter I used 2x4s sideways and screwed into the walls. You can do a corner if it's only a few chickens. OR got a few milk crates? Fill with hay and put the chicken it, they are smart and figure out the good spots. Up is best.

 

[backwoodsnanny]

Hi Abby

Yes she may have gotten a bit cold it was really cold last night but as Deb said they are resilient and she'll be fine but it does help them to have a roost during cold weather. They will get up off the ground or floor and it is alot warmer for them. Ive even seen free range chickens roost in trees when its cold. They do tuck their feet up under them and nestle their bodies over their feet to keep them warmer. Years ago I even had one freeze its comb and it eventually fell off during a really lengthy cold snap with no ill effects at all except it was pretty gross when it went from red to black and fell off. But the bird survived. Do you have any way to run one light bulb in their coop it would be enough to help heat the area.

 

[Sonya]

I am no expert, but I doubt she got frostbite...I would say an injury if she is limping. Is she limping or just holding one leg up? Mine will hold one leg up when walking in the snow (switching legs periodically). I agree they need a roost to get them off the ground and a light. Not only will the light help keep them warmer, but it'll keep them laying eggs. My light comes on at 1am and goes off at 10am (the coldest part of the day). Good luck...keep us posted...I love chickens!

 

[Shari]

Could be "Bumble Foot".

Check to see if her foot or leg is swollen at all..or if you see even the most tiny of cuts. Wear Gloves because if it is Bumble foot it is highly contagious.

It is best to put her in housing away from other poultry and animals until she is healed.

~

A major cause of lameness in poultry is wet litter, which results in foot lesions and erosion of the foot pad. The high fat content of partially digested feces is particularly erosive. Poor housing environments (for example, with high humidity and poor ventilation coupled with insufficient bedding) are contributory factors. Wet litter around water troughs poses a risk.

Long-standing erosions and other skin damage, such as cuts and abrasions, can predispose birds to a deeper infection of the footpad, frequently referred to as bumble foot. Bumble foot is most often associated with staphylococcus infection. This can result in a large ball-like foot abscess.

When infection occurs, synovial membranes in the joints and tendons of the hock and feet become thickened and oedema is seen. Inflammation occurs and a fluid may be produced around the joints and tendon sheaths. Wounds heal on the outside to leave a hard core of pus in the inside. If the condition becomes chronic, fibrous tissue can form around the foot.

http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/...asp?Display=143

http://www.the-coop.org/wwwboard/discus/me...es/14/6314.html

 

[Sterling]

Also check to see and make sure your chickens are getting enough vitamins and protien in their feed. Corn or scratch grains alone will not cut it for some chickens. I remember a few years ago when I first started with chickens, one of my roosters was coming down with a limp. My horse vet who is also well versed in poultry (lucky me

) suggested a complete layer feed. Well would'nt you know that sure did put a little "giddy-yap" in his walk. His motor skills had waned because he was not getting enough vitamins. Not saying this may be whats wrong with your chicken, but just something to keep in mind.

 

[ChrystalPaths]

Good point! I used a laying crumble from Purina

 

[Abby]

Thank you all. Turns out she may have been stepped on. I did bring her in to rest the leg, but hubby said back to the barn tomorrow or the Pot.

They have nest boxes and they roost on the stall door.

We're still getting 4-5 eggs a day out of 6 hens. I thought they were supposed to stop in the winter?

Lee