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My chicken can't walk on one leg. Is it dislocated? What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Female | unspayed

I have a hen that cannot put any weight on one leg and is now avoiding walking altogether. I suspect she has a dislocated leg. Can you advise me on how to put her leg back in its socket?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 5th, 2017

Ideally Stella needs a vet visit to asses. She could have a fracture or dislocation or make have a viral infection suck as Marek's disease that can affect the nerves of the leg. In many cases a fracture or dislocation in a hen requires sedation to attempt to fix but because they are two legged animals it requires a lot of TLC and nursing care to help them recover. She needs to be kep inside and have a sling fashioned to help her stand upright. She may need help cleaning herself. And in the case of bone injury she should have pain medication.
Many times culling or euthanasia is chosen for chickens with leg injuries because of the difficulty in recovery.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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