Chicken Check-Up

[jwiltrout99]

I am taking my Rooster (Chicken Little) to the vet tomorrow. He has one white spot on his comb and two white spots in his mouth (I looked while he was crowing). Anyway, he is a deeply loved pet and I want to make sure he doesn't have wet pox or anything else that might need treatment. Since I have never taken a rooster to a vet I was wondering if anyone can tell me how the vet might go about examining him...especially how will he look in his mouth? Will he just take a peek when Chicken Little crows? Do they typically draw blood? If so, from where? I know this may seem silly but I would just like to know what to expect. I am used to taking my dogs to the vet but not my chicken! Thank you!!

 

[WallTenters]

Most vets do not know how to treat a chicken unless they are showing signs of an illness. Probably just a physical check-up, there's no reason to draw blood unless you suspect a problem that various blood tests would help identify. If the bird is in good weight, bright and active then you are good to go. Are you sure the white spots are not scars?

 

[jwiltrout99]

Thanks for your reply! I'm not sure what to make of this now.....I looked in Chicken Little's mouth this morning and I didn't see any white spots! They were quite visible the day before! He still has a small spot on his comb though. I think I will just go ahead and take him in for a "wellness" check-up anyway. At the very least, hopefully, it will give me some piece mind. Chicken Little has also been doing some excessive grooming. I have noticed he is losing more feathers than "normal". He's not bald in any area though. I have attributed this to molting but I figure I'll double check with the vet on that as well. I'm sure I am being overprotective but we love this silly bird! This particular vet has a very good reputation in the area, and I have been told, has treated many chickens. I just hope this isn't going to be too stressful for Chicken Little! :->