Floyd the rooster update - more help needed

[chloemama66]

Hello, so Floyd is staring to eat on his own. Beak is healed and his comb and waddles are slowly getting a nice red color. He seems to maybe be seeing out of both eyes, he doesn't cock his head to one side as often

I made a sling and sit him in for a good part of the day. He seems to push or pull himself up and look all around vet alert. He does is so well he manages to flip himself out of his sling!! So he goes into a laundry basket at night. I. The basket I have a box he lays on where he is lifted enough so his poops can fall and not get stuck to him. I also out rolled cloth on his sides because he falls over. He has a little start of an ulcer from my not knowing when he pooped

Anyway - when he is on his box he pushes his left leg forward. He can grip and flex his toes. He just won't put weight on it.

What can I do to help him more. And do you think he will ever stand and walk again?

 

[ChickenChaser9]

I am happy to hear that Floyd is still hanging in there, Chloe. It may take several weeks for him to finish mending and honestly he will likely need to be helped throughout his recovery to have the best chance of being independent. You are doing a great job and he looks so much better. That he can still see is huge. Give him some time to see how his legs heal, the sling is good as he can get his legs under himself and exercise to the extent he is able. Best Wishes!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

It takes time to see if recovery is possible, looking back quickly at your first post, it's only been about a week since he was badly beaten. It does sound like he is making some improvement, but there's no way to know if or how quickly he will regain the use of his legs.

Sometimes stress from an attack can cause underlying symptoms of diseases like Marek's to surface or he could have neurological, spinal or brain damage from the attack.

 

[chloemama66]

So based on what you know I'm probably doing everything for him. I worry that I'm doing less or something not correct

Also, is it okay to leave him in his sling all day? I'm home with him and if I'm not I put him in his basket so he'll be safe.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

So based on what you know I'm probably doing everything for him. I worry that I'm doing less or something not correct

Also, is it okay to leave him in his sling all day? I'm home with him and if I'm not I put him in his basket so he'll be safe.

It sounds like you are doing everything you can for him.
It's probably ok to leave him in the sling all day if you're there to monitor him. You may want to periodically change his position so he doesn't get blisters (like humans get bed sores).

 

[ChickenChaser9]

It sounds like you are doing everything you can for him.
It's probably ok to leave him in the sling all day if you're there to monitor him.  You may want to periodically change his position so he doesn't get blisters (like humans get bed sores).

I agree with Wyorp Rock 100% stay positive. I am pulling for you both. Best Wishes!

 

[Louise Waffles]

You can use lanolin (like for nursing mothers) on his skin. I had a chicken in a sling that needed it on her bottom.
I made a sling with a T-shirt for my girl because she would flip herself out, cut leg& vent holes in the back of the shirt and cut a hole for her head in the front of the shirt. I didn't want her putting weight on her legs much, so the sling all day, and a nest at night.
You can also add extra padding on the sides so he doesn't have constant pressure on his keel.
Good luck!

 

[chloemama66]

In his sling getting some motivation to get better!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

In his sling getting some motivation to get better!

He seems alert and attentive to his surroundings, I'm glad you were able to put him at the window. I hope he continues to improve.

 

[ChickenChaser9]

I am sure he appreciates being able look out into the yard. You are doing great! I know how much work and effort is going into getting Floyd healthy and it is clearly benefitting from your TLC. Best wishes!