Broody hen

[sassychickens76]

So we had something bad happen. Our guess is that the chick went to get food they is right beside the box for him. Then, another chicken came and pecked him in the head. It looks pretty bad, but our friend/vet said that it would heal. It was fresh and we put Neosporin on it. He/she is tough.

This is when it first happened.

This is our setup.

This is now. What temp should I keep him at?

 

[NatJ]

This is now. What temp should I keep him at?

Maybe 90 to 95 degrees farenheit?

If the chick is able to walk around easily, I would try for 95 degrees at one end, and 80 degrees or less at the other end. That would give the chick a range of temperatures, and it could choose the one it likes best. It will probably like to sleep at one temperature, and spend time at a cooler temperature when it is awake.

But if the chick is not able to walk around, then you need to get the temperature just right, and I don't know what "right" would be. I might try 90 degrees, and check very frequently in case the chick is too cold or overheated.

 

[sassychickens76]

Now that I have time to sit down and type,
He has been sleeping but this morning when I checked on him he was a little more active. If we put chick feed next to him he will peck at it. When we give him water he jerks his head away. I have some left over waternelon that I will feed him when I get home. I assume that will also help hydrate him, right? At the moment he has hay in the bottom of his tote but we are getting pine shavings. Should I get him a friend? He chirped all night long last night. Any help would be appreciated, also, I am going to make a post in the emergency section also. If you have any questions feel free to ask. Thank you!

 

[NatJ]

When we give him water he jerks his head away. I have some left over waternelon that I will feed him when I get home. I assume that will also help hydrate him, right?

Yes, watermelon is a good choice for "water" the chick can eat.
You can also add water to normal chick food (they often like it better that way.)

Should I get him a friend? He chirped all night long last night.

He would probably be happier if he was not alone, but there is a chance the "friend" might pick on the injury, so I'm not sure what to advise here.

I am going to make a post in the emergency section also.

Good idea!

 

[sassychickens76]

Pretty sure he is dying. He is having trouble breathing and has always had trouble drinking water. He is not strong enough to lift his head and has gotten to the point where he can't put his feet under himself. It is sad but life.

 

[NatJ]

Pretty sure he is dying. He is having trouble breathing and has always had trouble drinking water. He is not strong enough to lift his head and has gotten to the point where he can't put his feet under himself. It is sad but life.

Thanks for the update

If you think he is dying anyway, you might just kill him to make it faster and prevent suffering.

 

[sassychickens76]

I'm sorry
I don't think I can do it.

 

[Dinosaur Village Keeper]

This thread was truly painful to read. It is a perfect example of failing to learn enough before jumping in quickly. I worry that I have not studied enough with weeks and weeks of soaking up every bit of info I could find on being there for my amazing girls when they have babies. I’m sorry you have gone through all of this Clucky!

 

[sassychickens76]

Thank you, it was for the best because I figured something out. Did you get your chickens from a hatchery/feed store/TSC or from an individual breeder? If you got them from a breeder, DO NOT LET THEM HATCH THEIR OWN EGGS!!!! I believe this is my problem and that my chick was inbred. I got mine from one person who only had 4 or 5 cochin bantams. I emphasize this to anyone who reads this thread.

 

[sassychickens76]

I forgot to update but it is quite obvious, he did die.