ChickenCrossing.Org

Rose, my only surviving hamburg pullet from the earlier hamburg/d'uccle massacre, has a problem.  About a week ago I pulled her inside into a brooder hoping that her hobble (started with her not going to bed with the other chickens and I brought her inside when she couldn't make it to the feeder) would correct itself if she was rested.  It's getting worse. 

Before she would put weight on her foot (so I assumed it was a leg injury and splinted) and now it is clear that the foot is the problem.  She refuses to put weight on it and drags it behind her, trying to walk on the ankle itself.  She looses balance regularly and flops around on the brooder floor... I'm exhausted from moving and desperately need help trying to figure out how to help her.

I understand that the reality is that sometimes, we can't help then and so we must do what we must.  Don't pull punches with me, I can handle that reality.  I don't want her to suffer needlessly, but if I can save her, I'd much rather.

Right now, Rose's friend Gertrude is in the brooder with her (she's the remaining d'uccle, the other survivors were male) and is helping to keep her propped up when she naps.  Rose has fallen less since Gertrude was assigned nursing duty.

Thoughts are appreciated, as always.

~Kristi