Answers ASAP Everyone!

[littlechickenmama17]

I just found one of my chickens had fallen into the water barrel for our cow and he is shivering, hackle feathers rose up, and he is just a little bit breathing heavy, a little like Darth Vader. I don't mean alot, but when I first found him, he was pretty bad - breathing heavily I mean. Now his breath is better but I don't know what to do! HELP! And hurry!!!!!!

 

[Iluveggers]

I’m not an expert but first thing I’d wrap him in a towel and get him dry and warm. Hopefully the experts will hop in here by the time you do that to tell you what else to do next.

 

[sourland]

Warm the bird up with a hair dryer.

 

[littlechickenmama17]

Yes I have him wrapped up in a towel and in the sun but don't have a hair dryer... what do I do instead of that?

 

[ChickNanny13]

How deep was the water barrel? Was he standing or submerged?
Warm him up and keep him warm ... @sourland is the fastest drying ... Do you have a heat lamp you could put him under for now. If he's in the sun make sure there's no wind/draft.

 

[littlechickenmama17]

Only his body was but he must have gone under because his head was still wet, but yes, I will put a heat lamp over him... will he survive? Is it like pneumonia?

 

[ChickNanny13]

His head could have gotten wet from his trying to get out. He should be ok, (pneumonia)
reason for asking if he was under water. Warming him is the main thing right now, keep an eye on him.

 

[littlechickenmama17]

Update! He is walking around, breathing normally, not closing his eyes so much, but he is still shivering (just a little). Got him under a heat lamp, tho, he is trying to run away from me! I have a close eye on him. Thank you all! This is why I love BYC!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I've got nothing, except keep warm and closely monitor. @Eggcessive @Overo Mare is this something you have experience with???

 

[neo71665]

Unless it's cold outside he will be fine. Just get him dry and let him do his thing. Right now he is stressed and you keep messing with him will stress him out more. Just keep an eye on him and let him go about his business. He aint the first chicken that has taken a swim.