Bobcat Ripped Wing Off - Should I try to save him? How?

[RHRanch]

Thanks for your help. I think until I decide what to do ultimately, I am going to treat him. I may decide to cull him in the morning, but for now, I think I want to see how he does overnight. If anyone has themselves had to treat this and can tell me how it went (good or bad), please do so.

 

[T-Amy]

Sounds like you would like to save him but if it were me, I would euthanize him- no way to tell how much pain he's in & what kind of quality of life he will have. I don't know much about their mental well-being after that kind of trauma but I think it's kinder to take away his suffering. I just had to make that decision yesterday with a sick hen & I feel that I gave her the most dignity as her quality of life wasn't good here.

Best of luck in whatever decision you decide.

I didn't read how you knew it was a bobcat that hurt your roo? Did you say it & I missed it?

 

[RHRanch]

Quote:
Oh, I know because I have had some trouble with this Bobcat off and on since August. I fix something, he outwits me. He is a clever kitty that is really starting to tick me off. LOL I have seen him from my bedroom window. After finals the whole pen is getting redone (like ft.knox). I don't kill predators, so I have to find a way to exclude him. He's the first predator to give me this much trouble in 25 yrs. But the pen is the real problem, hes just exploiting the weakness of the pen.)


Im not sure about saving him. (the roo). I kind of wanted some input, and I also am worried about the amount of pain he is in. If he looks like the pain is too bad in the AM, he will be culled. If he is okay but later develops an infection, I will also cull him. I was just going to sell him for someone to eat this weekend. But the thing is, as long as I have a bird in my care, I try to give him/her the best care. To be honest, I think I will end up culling him based on my past experience with injuries.

 

[T-Amy]

Quote:
Oh, I know because I have had some trouble with this Bobcat off and on since August. I fix something, he outwits me. He is a clever kitty that is really starting to tick me off. LOL I have seen him from my bedroom window. After finals the whole pen is getting redone (like ft.knox).

Im not sure about saving him. (the roo). I kind of wanted some input, and I also am worried about the amount of pain he is in. If he looks like the pain is too bad in the AM, he will be culled. If he is okay but later develops an infection, I will also cull him. I was just going to sell him for someone to eat this weekend. But the thing is, as long as I have a bird in my care, I try to give him/her the best care. To be honest, I think I will end up culling him based on my past experience with injuries.

Is there anything you can give him tonight to help ease the pain until you decide what to do? I can't imagine that pain but know he has to be suffering. I'm sorry for what happened. Glad to hear about Ft. Knox- that's how our's is built. We should share pictures.

 

[LisaAnnW]

We had the same thing happen to one of our roosters during a raccoon attack. The wing was completely torn off, with a bit of the bone left exposed. After cleaning the wound, we kept him isolated, and applied topical antibiotic until it healed. I really didn't expect him to make it, but he lived without any apparent suffering for about five years after that. I hope you have the same success.

 

[sourland]

You have done all of the correct things. These birds are far tougher than many give them credit for. If he is eating and trying to survive, give him the chance. Many one winged or legged birds have lived full lives.

 

[RHRanch]

Quote:
Oh, I know because I have had some trouble with this Bobcat off and on since August. I fix something, he outwits me. He is a clever kitty that is really starting to tick me off. LOL I have seen him from my bedroom window. After finals the whole pen is getting redone (like ft.knox).

Im not sure about saving him. (the roo). I kind of wanted some input, and I also am worried about the amount of pain he is in. If he looks like the pain is too bad in the AM, he will be culled. If he is okay but later develops an infection, I will also cull him. I was just going to sell him for someone to eat this weekend. But the thing is, as long as I have a bird in my care, I try to give him/her the best care. To be honest, I think I will end up culling him based on my past experience with injuries.

Is there anything you can give him tonight to help ease the pain until you decide what to do? I can't imagine that pain but know he has to be suffering. I'm sorry for what happened. Glad to hear about Ft. Knox- that's how our's is built. We should share pictures.

yes. I plan to do "before" and "after" pictures, so I can show how my pens are flawed and how I solved the problems. I like to show people how I use "exclusion" methods instead of trapping/hunting predators. It can be done, and these pens I have these birds in right now were put up very quickly and not meant to be permanent. My other 3 pens are very sturdy, and nothing can get in there but a bear. LOL I would love to share pictures, and to see how you constructed your pens.

 

[RHRanch]

What do you all think about pain relief? Anything I can give him? (That's safe?)

By the way, I have to add that I so seldom have problems like this (because I have such secure pens) that I am a novice when it comes to such a severe injury, so thanks to you all!

 

[tinychicky]

i agree with sourland. chickens are some of the toughest animals i know. you may as well give him a chance.

 

[LisaAnnW]

I know some topical antibiotics contain numbing agents.