Hello All!
I'm in need of advice! I have an unusual situation and would love others input. I have a pet rooster - Chicken Little. He has been my pet for about 5 years now. He lives in the house, but of course spends time outside too, and goes everywhere we take our dogs. He is very tame. He was in a flock only up to the point where he "became" a rooster. Last week, I "rescued" a hen (Miss Pinkerton) that was in crisis. She was not part of a flock. She was free-range on the property where I work. I took her to the vet and she had egg-yolk peritonitis, infected preen glands, and arthritis. The vet drained fluid from her abdomen, prescribed antibiotics and pain medication. She is like a brand new bird now! However, the vet has recommended she not be outside in the cold while recovering. I have been taking her to work with me where she stays in my office and then take her home at night where she sleeps downstairs. Chicken Little sleeps upstairs. They have not seen each other as of yet. I'm looking for a sanctuary for her but so far, no luck. Chicken Little travels with us at Christmas. I can't leave this little bird alone over the holidays, not only because she would be alone but I'm still giving her medication. I was thinking of introducing Chicken Little to her by letting them spend time in a shared space but separated by a fence. I guess I'm looking for input and your opinions on how best to handle this. I don't plan on letting them interact directly with one another. Chicken Little is a big boy with spurs and she is small and still recovering. Even though the vet didn't see anything else wrong with her, I'm also worried about a quarantine period. I have been very careful about washing hands, my shoes, clothes, etc. before handling Chicken Little after I have handled Miss Pinkerton. All advice is welcome! We live in Grants Pass, OR if anyone knows of a rescue! ;-> Thank you in advance!
I'm in need of advice! I have an unusual situation and would love others input. I have a pet rooster - Chicken Little. He has been my pet for about 5 years now. He lives in the house, but of course spends time outside too, and goes everywhere we take our dogs. He is very tame. He was in a flock only up to the point where he "became" a rooster. Last week, I "rescued" a hen (Miss Pinkerton) that was in crisis. She was not part of a flock. She was free-range on the property where I work. I took her to the vet and she had egg-yolk peritonitis, infected preen glands, and arthritis. The vet drained fluid from her abdomen, prescribed antibiotics and pain medication. She is like a brand new bird now! However, the vet has recommended she not be outside in the cold while recovering. I have been taking her to work with me where she stays in my office and then take her home at night where she sleeps downstairs. Chicken Little sleeps upstairs. They have not seen each other as of yet. I'm looking for a sanctuary for her but so far, no luck. Chicken Little travels with us at Christmas. I can't leave this little bird alone over the holidays, not only because she would be alone but I'm still giving her medication. I was thinking of introducing Chicken Little to her by letting them spend time in a shared space but separated by a fence. I guess I'm looking for input and your opinions on how best to handle this. I don't plan on letting them interact directly with one another. Chicken Little is a big boy with spurs and she is small and still recovering. Even though the vet didn't see anything else wrong with her, I'm also worried about a quarantine period. I have been very careful about washing hands, my shoes, clothes, etc. before handling Chicken Little after I have handled Miss Pinkerton. All advice is welcome! We live in Grants Pass, OR if anyone knows of a rescue! ;-> Thank you in advance!