- Thread starter
- #11
- Dec 13, 2009
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Hi Everyone!
Posting an update
First off, when I posted this on Saturday, Pox was the way he was in the video and pictures - getting around only when going for food or water or to huddle with the other two. He wasn't acting lethargic, was bright, alert and responsive... he just had that 'look' about him like he didn't belong.
Sunday we went back and purchased another buff from the same 'clutch' to even things out 'pair'-wise as we noticed the blacks stuck closely together, leaving Pox out. Yes, this could have also been caused to them knowing he's the weaker link - but we still hoped that getting a him a friend might be a good start. Silly - we know!
Get this! Sunday night we arrive with a new arrival in-hand - Pox bonded immediately to the new guy (now named Ceasar!). Ceasar was immediately dubbed Pox's "therapy chicken" as he took him under his wing instantly and started, literally, encouraging Pox to move around. Whenever Ceasar would venture too far, Pox would call to him and whaddya know, Ceasar would return to him, nuzzle him as if to say "it's okay - you're not alone!" and off they'd go! If the blacks tried to bully Pox around, Ceasar would come to his rescue. What a sight! I guess there's truth in saying 'birds of a feather flock together!'
Monday afternoon Pox started walking about the coop voluntarily without panicking and without having to "need" to get to somewhere such as the water or food. If he'd take a slightly 'off' step, he'd call to Ceasar for reassurance and Ceasar always called back or came over and 'egged' him on. It's like he instilled confidence in the little guy!
It's now Wednesday and the pecking order as been established beautifully - everyone is happily bonded. We didn't take any approaches towards Pox's foot as it seemed that Ceasar was taking care of it for us. This evening Pox surprised us by being able to stand up tall, weight on both feet. He then proceeded to walk over to his water dish, climbed up on the rim and PERCHED himself on the side HOLDING on with BOTH feet! What on EARTH?!?!
For those who asked - yes, he was acquired this way (we just didn't notice until we got home. We are almost 100% certain that it wasn't an injury during transport as they were supervised and very quiet for the trip. We assumed it was a birth defect or old injury. After closer observation, there didn't appear to be any signs of recent trauma - at least not to our inexperienced eye).
Also - he is actually the same size as the other buff and has grown since we got him - it seems like the buffs might be slightly younger than the blacks. I don't believe all were born exactly on the same day, we were only told they were approximately 3 months old. There were about 30 to choose from - varying sizes. We, unfortuantely being inexperienced, chose the 'prettiest' ones (apart from overall health checks of clear heads and bums!).
So - it seems that in their short stay with us so far, he is only improving! I'm assuming this is a good sign? Can we leave things the way they are and let nature take its course by this "buddy system"? Or should we still pursue vitamins and positioning the foot?
Posting an update
First off, when I posted this on Saturday, Pox was the way he was in the video and pictures - getting around only when going for food or water or to huddle with the other two. He wasn't acting lethargic, was bright, alert and responsive... he just had that 'look' about him like he didn't belong.
Sunday we went back and purchased another buff from the same 'clutch' to even things out 'pair'-wise as we noticed the blacks stuck closely together, leaving Pox out. Yes, this could have also been caused to them knowing he's the weaker link - but we still hoped that getting a him a friend might be a good start. Silly - we know!
Get this! Sunday night we arrive with a new arrival in-hand - Pox bonded immediately to the new guy (now named Ceasar!). Ceasar was immediately dubbed Pox's "therapy chicken" as he took him under his wing instantly and started, literally, encouraging Pox to move around. Whenever Ceasar would venture too far, Pox would call to him and whaddya know, Ceasar would return to him, nuzzle him as if to say "it's okay - you're not alone!" and off they'd go! If the blacks tried to bully Pox around, Ceasar would come to his rescue. What a sight! I guess there's truth in saying 'birds of a feather flock together!'
Monday afternoon Pox started walking about the coop voluntarily without panicking and without having to "need" to get to somewhere such as the water or food. If he'd take a slightly 'off' step, he'd call to Ceasar for reassurance and Ceasar always called back or came over and 'egged' him on. It's like he instilled confidence in the little guy!
It's now Wednesday and the pecking order as been established beautifully - everyone is happily bonded. We didn't take any approaches towards Pox's foot as it seemed that Ceasar was taking care of it for us. This evening Pox surprised us by being able to stand up tall, weight on both feet. He then proceeded to walk over to his water dish, climbed up on the rim and PERCHED himself on the side HOLDING on with BOTH feet! What on EARTH?!?!
For those who asked - yes, he was acquired this way (we just didn't notice until we got home. We are almost 100% certain that it wasn't an injury during transport as they were supervised and very quiet for the trip. We assumed it was a birth defect or old injury. After closer observation, there didn't appear to be any signs of recent trauma - at least not to our inexperienced eye).
Also - he is actually the same size as the other buff and has grown since we got him - it seems like the buffs might be slightly younger than the blacks. I don't believe all were born exactly on the same day, we were only told they were approximately 3 months old. There were about 30 to choose from - varying sizes. We, unfortuantely being inexperienced, chose the 'prettiest' ones (apart from overall health checks of clear heads and bums!).
So - it seems that in their short stay with us so far, he is only improving! I'm assuming this is a good sign? Can we leave things the way they are and let nature take its course by this "buddy system"? Or should we still pursue vitamins and positioning the foot?
