Depressed rooster

[Mshafer01]

5 days ago a raccoon killed 3 hens. I had 4 bielefelder hens and a bielefelder rooster. I have 8 other hens but they are not old enough to go in with the rooster. I think he is severely depressed. He walks around with his head hung low, he barely eats and he hasn't crowed since the attack. The one grown hen left could care less about the loss or him. I have started offering chick starter with meal worms and peas mixed in so what little he does eat will have more value. His face was scratched up from trying to defend his ladies. I cleaned the wounds and check them everyday, no sign of infection or swelling. I'm worried he might die from a broken heart. How can I help him hang on until the new hens are old enough for him. Should be 2 months because he is a BIG rooster. We have everyone where they can see each other so they will get use to each other and 1 day I can just remove the barrier between them. Any ideas would be appreciated. Even if i have to bring him in the house and baby him. He is an excellent rooster.

 

[Debbie292d]

I'd also give him some electrolytes as he's probably in a bit of shock, as well as any others that saw this attack. If you want to give it to him/them again, skip a day in between.

Hydro-Hen and others have powdered probiotics and electrolytes, but if you don't have any you can make your own. Here's one recipe:

• 1 cup warm water
• 2 teaspoons honey OR molasses OR granulated sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda OR 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

He should come out of it but give him time. So sorry for your loss.

 

[nuthatched]

Check him all over for wounds.