Help Really Concerned!

[Hungry Hannah]

Hi All

This morning when letting the girls out I didn't really think anything of it when only 2 of them came out, as if its still a bit dark and raining Hennrietta tends to stay inside. However when I went to put then away to go to work about 30 mins later- she still wasnt out and appered in the doorway of thier house because she heard me coming. She seemed to have suffled there and was sitting. I picked her up and had a look at her legs cos she didnt want to stand- They appeared fine, toes were clawed back- but straightened out. when I put her down she wouldnt stand though. I gave her a grape which she redilly snatched and did then get up and move off to hide and eat it- but didnt seem to be moving quick or particularly like standing.
She normally perches at night- Could she have fallen off the perch and hurt her legs?
Unfortunately I had to leave for work- am hoping to pop back at lunch to check on her- but what do I do?
oh- also she is an ex batt, I've had her since april but the rescue centre said that 1 of my girls had previously had a broken leg and they had nursed her back to health- not 100% sure if this is her but i think it is.
Any advice appriciated.

[MaureenHall]

Could be that she's bruised her legs when she jumped off the perch, or she could just be feeling a bit stiff (like us old ladies do in the mornings!) Ex-batts are prone to osteoporosis too, so it wouldn't take much of a jolt to snap a bone. How high are the perches? I've got one that's only 8" from the floor but all the ex-batts insist on using the ones that's 2' from the floor!!

[Hungry Hannah]

The Perch is at leat a foot of the ground- There is one about 4" which they never really use- and it always sounds funny when she jumps down in the morning.
If they're just bruised- would adding something like arnica to her food be ok?

[lainey lou]

could it be that she was about to lay?
I do hope she's OK, keep us updated.

[Nicos]

Oh they're a worry aren't they???

Her legs do sound sore don't they???
Hope she's better by lunch time!

[di]

Hope she's picked up a bit when you go check on her later!x

I wonder if the broken leg she had before has left her more prone to arthritis?Maybe a daily dose of Cod Liver Oil with her feed would be an idea?

All the best with her!xx

[Hungry Hannah]

Update!

So drove like a maniac to get home to check on her and she seems fine.Still a bit slower than the other 2 but running around and having a good scratch. Not sure if she has a mild limp or if its just me looking soo hard when she was running- So am thinking that it is a litle bit of stiffness now its damp and cold- or maybe she bashed her legs on the jump down. Will give her some TLC and cod liver oil! Thanks guys.

ooo, have thought of another option- Now its darker for longer they dont get so much free roam in the garden- so feigning illness makes me come check on them and they get an extra run!? clever girls!

[Eco-Chic]

Maybe lower the 12" perch to 6" in case her shock absorbers aren't working?

Jack Russells are renowned for limping and as you watch with concern switch the limp to their other leg. Hens may be cleverer than we all think