lame

Cluck-tastic news: a little TLC for your toe-walking hen

Well, a month of watching a hen hobble around on tiptoes would test anyone's patience, let alone the poor bird's. It sounds like you've done everything right: quarantine, a full leg exam, and plenty of treats to keep her spirits up. The fact that she's still alert and eating like a champ is a good sign, but that toe-walking and lack of balance? That's a head-scratcher. You're not wrong to wonder about her quality of life. It's a fine line between "she's fine, just gimpy" and "she's suffering." Since she's not in obvious pain and still engages with the world, I'd say you have time to keep observing.