[victoria_plum]

 

I noticed this morning that Nessa has a limp!

I have brought her in for a foot wash, and I have covered her legs in sudocrem and then vaseline, in case it is scaly leg.  I've posted some pics, but I can't help thinking that if it is scaly leg, it doesn't look advanced enough to cause a limp.  They went back to our breeder this weekend just gone, for chicken bed and breakfast, and as we were leaving our breeder did mention that she had just had to tell another b&b customer that their chickens has some sort of leg mites - I can't remember which.  Do you think that is just coincidence?  They are lovely people, and super good at what they do, but I did panic a bit and comment that I hoped we wouldn't pick them up, but she said it was a different hen house.

I guess I will just have to keep an eye on her, at the moment she is hobbling about with the others and eating and pooping normaly.  She was making some sweet little noises when I was cuddling her and washing her feet - can't decide if it was fear or purring!

Can anyone advise from the photos if it is early scaly leg or mites?







Do you think in these photos her foot on HER LEFT looks a little limp?  She was clutching onto my finger with the toes when I washed her foot - so not sure.

[GrannieAnnie]

I'm no expert, but I didn't think scaly leg causes a limp.  I had a cockerel off someone and didn't notice until the next day that it had scaly leg.  It didn't limp, but we got rid of it quickly because it wasn't what they said it was anyway. But that's a different story!

Could she have jumped off her perch a bit awkwardly?  If so, she may be okay in a day or 2.

[victoria_plum]

Well... she seems to be limping less today  - fingers crossed!

[GrannieAnnie]

Oh I hope so VP!  yep, fingers and claws crossed! 

[hillfooter]

It could just be an injury or strain so if she's not showing other symptoms of illness like depression, loss of balence, respiratory problems she will improve with rest if it's an injury and I wouldn't be too concerned.

The photos don't look like scaley leg mite and it doesn't cause a limp anyway (at least in the cases I've seen).  Limping is usually foot pad, muscular, nerve or bone related.  Checkout the foot pad for signs of injury and particularly Bumble foot, a foot pad infection.  Otherwise just keep her under observation and take her to a vet if it deteriorates or get an experienced keeeper to have a look at her.

Best wishes
HF

[bantam novice]

It's really helpful to have such clear pictures, Victoria Plum.  I would agree with Grannie Annie and Hillfooter.  Also good luck and keep us posted.  Hope she is walking better today.

[victoria_plum]

She is walking almost normally today!!! Hoorah!!

I feel a total plonker for covering her feet in sudocrem!! TEE HEE!!!

[Chookiechook]

At least she will have nice soft legs

Scaly leg can cause the hen to be so sore that it will limp but usually this will be when the scales are lifted and missing and the crusting is so bad that it would cause anyone to limp

[victoria_plum]

Thanks for all your replies everyone.  She does seem to be walking normally now, what a relief!  It's great to be able to ask for advice. 

[victoria_plum]

She is now limping again, quite badly 

She's curling her foot right under.

She is feeding fine, and hopping about. Just a bit confused about why it's happened again. 

[joyfull]

check underneath her foot to see if there is anything sticking in it

[victoria_plum]

Have checked her foot and can't see anything obvious at all!

She's curling it right under now and limping like mad.   

[hillfooter]

I think you need a firsthand opinion from a vet or a more experienced keeper.  With the best will in the world we can't see the problem and the demeanor of the bird so just guessing is not going to crack it in short order.
Best of luck
HF