- Dec 17, 2013
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A few days ago, it froze really hard and one of my roosters got frostbite on both legs. I took him indoors for a few days to warm up, and while his right leg fared pretty well, his left leg was taking longer to heal up. Unfortunately, my worst fears about it were confirmed when just yesterday I noticed a rotting smell coming from it, even after I washed it off.
Can't really tell from the picture, but his toes are starting to blacken, and some of the skin is peeling. The biggest factor is that he doesn't seem to have any feeling in it, can't walk on it, and of course, it has the rotting smell.
I
As much as I hate to say it, I think the only thing for it is going to be amputation. I know that the best course of action would be to take him to the vet, but there aren't really any vets around here that treat chickens, and other people on this forum seemed to have success doing it themselves, without massive pain to the bird. I never want to put money over the value of life but...I certainly don't think it would be a cheap procedure, even if I could find a vet who would do it, and if I can do it myself without causing an incredible amount of pain to him, I will.
If I do decide to do this myself, is there anyone out there who's done it who who could offer some pointers? For starters, what to cut it with, and WHERE to cut it - above the joint or below, or on the joint. This will probably have to be done very soon, as I don't want the infection to spread.
Thanks so much for looking, and for any input!
Can't really tell from the picture, but his toes are starting to blacken, and some of the skin is peeling. The biggest factor is that he doesn't seem to have any feeling in it, can't walk on it, and of course, it has the rotting smell.
I
As much as I hate to say it, I think the only thing for it is going to be amputation. I know that the best course of action would be to take him to the vet, but there aren't really any vets around here that treat chickens, and other people on this forum seemed to have success doing it themselves, without massive pain to the bird. I never want to put money over the value of life but...I certainly don't think it would be a cheap procedure, even if I could find a vet who would do it, and if I can do it myself without causing an incredible amount of pain to him, I will.
If I do decide to do this myself, is there anyone out there who's done it who who could offer some pointers? For starters, what to cut it with, and WHERE to cut it - above the joint or below, or on the joint. This will probably have to be done very soon, as I don't want the infection to spread.
Thanks so much for looking, and for any input!
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