It’s concerning when one of your chickens starts limping and spending more time laying down than usual. As a backyard chicken keeper for over 7 years, I’ve faced this situation several times, and I know how worrying it can be. Your chicken’s mobility issues could stem from various conditions ranging from minor injuries to serious diseases. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most common causes and how to address them effectively.
Common Causes of Limping and Excessive Laying Down in Chickens
1. Foot and Leg Injuries
Physical injuries are one of the most frequent reasons why chickens limp. These injuries can happen when chickens:
- Jump from high roosts
- Get tangled in netting or wire
- Step on sharp objects like glass, nails, or thorns
When examining your chicken, look for:
- Reluctance to put weight on the affected leg
- Swelling or bruising
- Spending more time resting than usual
Most mild injuries will heal with rest and proper care However, if you notice persistent swelling or pain, your chicken might need additional treatment.
2. Bumblefoot
Bumblefoot is a bacterial infection (usually Staphylococcus) that enters through cuts or scrapes on the bottom of the foot. It’s very common and can make walking extremely painful for your chicken.
Symptoms of Bumblefoot:
- A hard lump or swelling on the footpad
- A black scab or ulcer
- Severe limping or complete refusal to walk
Common causes:
- Dirty bedding
- Hard or sharp surfaces in the coop
- Long nails causing stress on the foot
Treatment options:
- Soak the foot in warm Epsom salt water
- Carefully remove the scab and drain the abscess
- Apply antibiotic ointment and wrap the foot
- For serious infections, consult a vet for oral antibiotics
3. Scaly Leg Mites
These tiny mites burrow under the scales on your chicken’s legs, causing intense itching, pain, and inflammation. Over time, this leads to thickened, crusty legs and difficulty walking.
Signs of scaly leg mites:
- Raised leg scales
- Crusty, thickened appearance of legs
- Abnormal walking pattern
- Limping
Treatment:
- Soak the legs in warm water to soften scales
- Apply petroleum jelly, coconut oil, or castor oil to smother mites
- Repeat every few days for 2-3 weeks
- Clean the coop thoroughly and treat all birds in the flock
4. Vitamin Deficiencies
Several vitamin deficiencies can cause limping and weakness in chickens, especially in young birds or molting hens.
Common deficiencies that cause mobility issues:
- Riboflavin (B2) – essential for nerve and muscle health
- Vitamin E – causes white muscle disease
- Vitamin D – leads to rickets and bone weakness
- Calcium – results in weak bones and potential fractures
Symptoms of vitamin deficiencies:
- Weak legs
- Curled toes (especially in chicks)
- Walking on hocks
- General lethargy
- Bone deformities
Solutions:
- Add poultry vitamins to their water
- Feed a balanced diet with proper commercial feed
- Include greens, grains, and occasional supplements
- Provide calcium sources like oyster shell
5. Marek’s Disease
This viral disease often affects young chickens under 6 months old. It causes tumors, paralysis, and can be fatal in many cases.
Symptoms of Marek’s disease:
- One leg stretched forward, the other back (“splits” position)
- Progressive lameness
- Sudden weight loss
- Cloudy eye (in some cases)
Marek’s is highly contagious but can be prevented with vaccination of day-old chicks. Unfortunately, there’s no cure once a chicken is infected, although some birds manage partial mobility with time.
6. Egg Binding and Internal Laying
In hens, egg-related issues can cause significant discomfort, limping, and excessive laying down.
Signs of egg binding:
- Tail pumping or straining
- Bloated lower abdomen
- Pale comb or wattles
- Waddling gait or refusal to stand
Treatment approaches:
- Give the hen a warm bath to relax muscles
- Provide calcium supplements
- Apply lubrication around the vent
- Seek immediate vet attention if unresolved in 24 hours
7. Arthritis and Joint Infections
Arthritis is common in older chickens or birds exposed to trauma or poor sanitation. Joint infections can occur when bacteria enter the bloodstream.
Symptoms:
- Swollen, hot joints
- Stiffness and limping
- Difficulty perching
These conditions require long-term management, possibly with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories under veterinary guidance.
8. Sprains, Dislocations, and Fractures
Chickens can easily sprain or fracture bones, especially when startled. These injuries may not always be obvious externally.
Signs to watch for:
- Leg held at an odd angle
- Bird resists touch
- Drooping wings from stress or pain
Treatment approaches:
- Confine the bird in a small cage to limit movement
- Provide soft bedding and easy access to food/water
- Use vet-recommended pain relievers
- Consider splinting or veterinary care for serious injuries
9. Hock Disease (Slipped Tendon)
Also known as perosis, this disorder typically affects chicks under 2 months old. It’s usually caused by mineral deficiencies (manganese, zinc, choline) or vitamin deficiencies (niacin, folic acid).
Results of Hock Disease:
- Shortened leg length
- Distorted muscle placement
- Slipped Achilles tendon
- Lameness
Unfortunately, deformities from hock disease can’t be reversed once they’ve occurred. Prevention through proper nutrition is essential.
How to Examine a Limping Chicken
Before determining treatment, you’ll need to carefully examine your chicken. Here’s my approach:
1. Gentle Capture
Approach slowly and avoid sudden movements. Use both hands to scoop up your chicken, supporting her chest and cradling her feet. Soft talking helps reduce stress.
2. Secure Position
Place her on a stable, towel-covered surface. A loose towel wrap can help limit flapping while you examine her.
3. Check the Feet
Look for cuts, splinters, bruises, or swelling on the bottom of the feet and between toes. Check for bumblefoot scabs, long nails, or embedded objects.
4. Examine Legs and Joints
Feel along the leg for heat, swelling, or abnormalities. Gently bend the leg to check range of motion and compare both legs.
5. Observe Walking
After examination, watch how she walks. Note if she favors one leg, hops, or keeps a leg tucked.
Home Care for a Limping Chicken
Here’s what I do when one of my chickens is limping:
1. Isolation
Gently separate the injured bird from the flock to prevent pecking and allow rest.
2. Create a Recovery Space
Set up a quiet area with soft bedding and easy access to food and water.
3. Supportive Care
For bumblefoot or mites, soak feet in warm Epsom salt water. For weakness or vitamin deficiencies, add electrolytes and vitamins to drinking water.
4. Basic Treatment
Clean visible wounds with saline or diluted iodine. For bumblefoot, carefully treat the abscess and wrap the foot. For mites, apply petroleum jelly or oil to smother them.
When to Call a Vet
Don’t hesitate to seek veterinary help if:
- You notice paralysis or neurological symptoms
- Swelling persists despite home care
- Your chicken stops eating or drinking
- Egg binding doesn’t resolve quickly
- You suspect Marek’s disease or serious infection
Prevention Tips
To keep your flock on healthy feet:
- Create safe footing – Use dry, cushioned bedding like straw or pine shavings
- Set up proper roosts – Keep perches under 24 inches high for heavy breeds
- Provide balanced nutrition – Feed quality commercial feed plus occasional treats
- Perform routine health checks – Inspect feet weekly to catch problems early
- Quarantine new birds – Always isolate new chickens for at least two weeks
Final Thoughts
Finding your chicken limping and laying down more than usual is definitely concerning, but don’t panic! In many cases, the issue can be resolved with proper care and attention. I’ve nursed several of my chickens back to health from limping issues, and with the right approach, you can too.
Remember, our feathered friends depend on us for their wellbeing. Quick action and appropriate care make all the difference in helping your chicken return to scratching, pecking, and living her best chicken life!
Have you dealt with a limping chicken before? What worked for you? Share your experiences in the comments below!
1 Chicks Limping After Hatching
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for chicks to develop issues with their legs and feet, especially if they were shipped long distances or have spent time in a crowded brooder.
While a limp may seem like a minor problem, it can actually be quite painful for your chick and even lead to permanent damage if left untreated.
Sometimes, chicks might have genetic abnormalities leading to the limp. If that’s the case, there’s not much you can do besides monitor the condition to make sure it doesn’t worsen. If it does, the bird may need to be culled.
Marek’s Disease is a rare virus that chickens can get. Chickens that have Marek’s Disease may limp, have paralysis, or die.
If your chicken has Marek’s Disease, there is no treatment and it is fatal. There are vaccinations available for this disease.
Again, if your chicken has Marek’s, you will notice other signs and symptoms besides limping.
Pasteurella is caused by bacteria that are commonly found in the environment, so it can be hard to prevent.
The good news is that most chickens will recover from the disease without any long-term effects.
However, some chickens may develop joint inflammation or respiratory problems. If your chicken has pasteurella, it’s important to keep an eye on its condition and seek veterinary care if its condition deteriorates.
There are several reasons why your chick might be limping. One possibility is that the chick has a condition known as splay leg or spraddle leg, which occurs when the tendons in the legs are not properly anchored to the bones.
This can be caused by genetic factors, vitamin deficiencies, or even simply spending too much time in a cramped brooder.
Splay leg can be difficult to treat, but early intervention is essential to give your chick the best chance at a full recovery.
Chickens are resilient creatures that can withstand a lot of cold weather, but they are not immune to the effects of extreme weather. One serious condition that can affect chickens is frostbite.
Frostbite occurs when the tissue freezes, and it can cause severe damage to the affected area.
Chickens are particularly susceptible to frostbite on their combs and wattles, which are exposed body parts that don’t have a lot of feathers for insulation.
If you notice your chicken limping, it’s important to check for signs of frostbite. This condition can also affect the feet, particularly if you are raising a breed of chicken that does not have feathering around the feet.
The affected area will look pale and waxy, and it may be cold to the touch. If you suspect that your chicken has frostbite, bring it inside and put it in a warm environment.
You should also contact a veterinarian for further treatment.
A slipped tendon is a common injury in chickens. It occurs when the tendon that attaches the leg to the body becomes detached from the bone. This can happen if the chicken twists its leg, falls, or is stepped on.
A slipped tendon is most likely to occur in young chickens, as their bones are not yet fully developed. Symptoms of a slipped tendon include limping and weakness in the affected leg.
The chicken may also hold its foot off the ground or tuck it under its body. If left untreated, a slipped tendon can lead to permanent lameness.
Treatment involves resetting the tendon and supporting the leg with a splint or cast. With proper care, most chickens make a full recovery from this injury.
One possible cause is rooster spurs. These are sharp growths that develop on the legs of male chickens, and they can become entangled in the feathers of other chickens, causing pain and irritation.
They can sometimes be trimmed or treated to address your rooster’s discomfort.
One common cause is Spondylolisthesis, which is a condition in which one vertebra slips out of position and puts pressure on the vertebrae below it. This can cause pain and mobility problems.
Chickens with Spondylolisthesis may have difficulty walking, perching, or even standing up. If you suspect that your chicken has Spondylolisthesis, it’s important to take it to a vet for treatment.
Left untreated, the condition can cause permanent damage to the spine and nervous system. In severe cases, it can even be fatal.
If you’ve ever noticed your chicken limping, there’s a chance it’s suffering from Necrotic Dermatitis. This condition is caused by a bacterial infection that affects the skin and can spread quickly to the rest of the body.
Symptoms include lesions and swelling. If left untreated, Necrotic Dermatitis can cause permanent damage. In severe cases, it can be fatal.
Early treatment is essential to preventing serious complications. If you suspect your chicken has Necrotic Dermatitis, take it to a vet right away for diagnosis and treatment.
What to Do About a Limping Chicken
Limping is a common symptom in chickens that can be caused by a variety of different factors. Here are some steps to take to address and treat the limping.
In order to determine the best course of action, it is important to first identify the cause of the limping.
There are many potential causes of limping, including injuries, chicken parasites, nutritional deficiencies, and diseases. You can’t treat the disease or injury without first knowing what it is!
20 Signs That Your Chicken Is Sick. You Need To Know Them ALL!
FAQ
How do you know if a chicken is limping?
If you notice that your chicken is limping, take a close look at its legs and toes. If you see any strings wrapped around them, carefully remove the strings and dispose of them properly. You may need to treat the rest of the area for infection, if there is one.
Why is my chicken limping?
There are a number of things that can cause your chicken (s) to limp: injuries to their legs, joint issues, bacterial/fungal infections, parasites, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, and exposure to harmful substances are all possible causes.
Why does my chicken jump off the roost?
Stiffness or Sprain From Jumping Off the Roost If you notice your chicken is limping, it could be due to stiffness or a sprain from jumping off the roost. A roost is typically a few feet off the ground. Chickens jump down in the morning to start their day.
Why are my chicken legs lame?
All these factors contribute to making your chicken lame. Treatment is simple, coat the legs in petroleum jelly or something similar. This is to suffocate the mites and allow the healing process to start. Alternately, a soak in warm water and Epsom salt can help to reduce irritation and kill mites at the same time.
What should I do if my chicken is limping?
If you notice your chicken is limping and has any cuts or scratches, make sure to clean the wound with soap and water. You may also need to apply an antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection. In severe cases, your chicken may need to see a vet, too. 2. Stiffness or Sprain From Jumping Off the Roost
What causes lameness in chickens?
All kinds of vitamin and mineral deficiencies can result in lameness in chickens, most particularly in young chicks. One of these is vitamin E, which is absolutely essential for healthy muscle function in developing chicks.
How do you treat a limping chicken?
To treat a limping chicken, first isolate it in a clean, dry area with easy access to food and water. Examine the leg for injuries, wounds, or swelling. Home treatment may involve epsom salt soaks to reduce swelling, applying antibiotic ointment to wounds, and providing soft bedding. A veterinarian should be consulted for suspected fractures, deep wounds, or neurological issues.
Why is my chicken limping and laying down while?
Limping and balance loss in chickens can stem from sprains, nutritional deficiencies, or neurological issues. Symptoms include uneven gait, weakness, and instability. Providing grit and oyster shells supports bone health. Ensure a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
Why is my chicken favoring one leg?
A chicken limping on one leg can be caused by injuries like sprains, fractures, or infections such as bumblefoot. Other causes include scaly leg mites burrowing under the leg scales, nutritional deficiencies, or more serious diseases like Marek’s disease. You should inspect the leg for wounds, swelling, or mites, isolate the bird with soft bedding, and provide access to food and water. If the limp persists or symptoms worsen, consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
What are three signs that a chicken may be sick?
- Not eating well: going off feed is a tell-tale sign of illness in animals
- Bubbly or watery eyes or nose
- Rasping when breathing
- Sneezing or coughing
- Swelling around the eyes
- A strange odor to the bird(s)
- Swelling of the comb and/or wattles