6month old rooster survived a bobcat attack but won’t eat or drink

[laritaxi93]

Hello,

Our young rooster was attacked by a bobcat 3 days ago. Luckily he survived, but barely moves, eats or drinks. He’s has an injury under his wing close to the front of his breast but it has scabbed over. I’ve tried to force electrolyte water in his month but he barely drank anything. He hunches in the corner of his coop and can barely hold his head up What should I do? I worry he won’t survive . I can’t afford to go to a vet.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Hello,

Our young rooster was attacked by a bobcat 3 days ago. Luckily he survived, but barely moves, eats or drinks. He’s has an injury under his wing close to the front of his breast but it has scabbed over. I’ve tried to force electrolyte water in his month but he barely drank anything. He hunches in the corner of his coop and can barely hold his head up What should I do? I worry he won’t survive . I can’t afford to go to a vet.

Pictures of the bird plus injuries are always helpful?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Have you tried sugar water to treat for shock? Mix 1 tsp sugar with 1 c warm water and add a pinch each of salt and baking soda. Stir or shake to dissolve. Put some in a small cup and hold it up to his beak. If he won't drink try dipping his beak in it. If he still won't drink, dip your finger in it and put a drop on the crease of his beak, being careful not to get any in his nostrils. Let him swallow. Continue until he refuses by shaking his head. Let us know if he takes any or refuses. You may have to syringe some into his beak and we can show you how, it's not hard. A dehydrated chicken cannot eat. If he drinks, offer him some of his regular food you have soaked with water to make a thin or medium gruel and see if he will take that. Good luck! Keep us posted.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Coat the injury with triple antibiotic ointment that does NOT have pain reliever in it, like Neosporin Original or its generic equivalent.

 

[Crazy Chicken Keeper]

Personally I wouldn't bother trying to make him better I'd justcull him but if he's a rare breed or is special, I'd iodene, bandage the wounds, and seperate him in a dry and mite-free coop

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Leave the wound open. You can make some sterile saline solution and put it in a spray bottle, spray the wound thoroughly twice a day to keep it clean snd maybe loosen the scab, blot dry with a clean towel and then coat with the antibiotic ointment.

Chickens are tough and can survive some pretty horrific injuries with proper care. You might carefully clip the feathers from around the wound so you can see what you're dealing with. Be advised, chickens bruise green and turquoise, not blue and purple.

 

[ChickenCameFirst]

Leave the wound open. You can make some sterile saline solution and put it in a spray bottle, spray the wound thoroughly twice a day to keep it clean snd maybe loosen the scab, blot dry with a clean towel and then coat with the antibiotic ointment.

Chickens are tough and can survive some pretty horrific injuries with proper care. You might carefully clip the feathers from around the wound so you can see what you're dealing with. Be advised, chickens bruise green and turquoise, not blue and purple.

I like you! Very thoughtful responses

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Thank you. Just take care of that rooster!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Cockerel, rather.