Found Chicken - Need Advice - Vet wants to amputate leg with gangrene

[carolsmith7878]

Hi! I am in Lakeland, FL. Thank goodness you found that poor chicken. It is a wonderful thing you have done to save its life. There are many chicken owners in central FL that may want to adopt Rocky, that is if you decide not to keep him/her for yourself.

Please go on facebook.com and search for/check out the group "Chicken Swap of Florida". There are many caring people on there from FL who could give you advice on keeping chickens in the area or a member might want to provide a loving home for Rocky. Also, please tell his/her story. I'm sure that they would love to hear it.

 

[RoosterRidge]

 

[confetticrafts]

Quote:
Hi, Carol. I tried to find the facebook page, but nothing exists under that name. I did see "Farm Swap of Central Florida" -- is that it? Thanks!

 

[CSisley]

I'm happy that Rocky pulled through the surgery well but I thought I should tell you that your "Avian Specialist" Vet doesn't know a hen from a rooster. He's obviously young but he's got the tail feathers, the saddle feathers and even small spurs coming through. Don't be surprised when Mr. Rockstar Rocky starts to crow!

 

[aoxa]

Quote:
I would have to agree.

He is very beautiful, and roosters make great pets as well as hens. Some roosters are even more friendly.

So glad you helped him out!

 

[carolsmith7878]

I'll try to put up a link to it. If this doesn't work, let me know, and I'll try something else.

http://www.facebook.com/groups/176629375738884/

 

[confetticrafts]

Thanks for the link, Carol -- I don't know why facebook's search couldn't find it!

To everybody commenting on gender, I'm starting to think the vet may have been wrong about Rocky being a hen, too. After all the comments that Rocky looks like a roo, I browsed through the "what breed or gender is this?" posts, and I'm starting to get an idea of what distinguishes male from female. It does seem like Rocky's hackle and saddle feathers are longer and pointier, and the good leg seems masculine and sturdy instead of dainty. Rocky hasn't crowed at all, but makes these sweet burbling/murmuring noises that are much more pleasant than what I thought a chicken sound would be; "cluck" sounds nothing like it! Could "he" be too young to crow still, or is the stress of the injury making "him" quiet?? The vet herself phrased her opinion that Rocky was a hen somewhat uncertainly -- I forget the exact words. She did say she averted the cloaca and didn't see the male organ, but then indicated she wasn't certain. I was wondering how that is possible! Does it go into hiding sometimes?? Like the comments I saw in the gender posts, we'll know for sure if Rocky lays an egg! (I guess even crowing isn't a definite sign, since quite a few people wrote that their hens crowed!)

Rocky has had a very good couple of days since the surgery, feeling good enough to preen on Tuesday for the first time and even rolling in the dust today (Thursday). Rocky's more spunky, fighting a bit against being given the oral medications now. Mobility is pretty good, s/he was hopping about the yard today, not putting weight on the amputated leg yet (it's probably too sore still). I emailed Dr. England last night and he was kind enough to write back today. He said considering that Rocky has most of the leg left, s/he will probably adapt very well to getting around once the stump develops a callous and won't need a prosthetic. I'll post some updated pics soon....

 

[Patricia Jane]

Great to hear Rocky seems to be adjusting well. It's amazing how tough chickens can be. So many people have brought them back from the brink of death. Kudos to you for being his angel. I'm realizing the more I am on here the more I'm finding caring and loving people. It's like a breath of fresh air.

 

[DaughterOfEve]

Hurray for Rocky! A real fighter! Thanks for updating after the operation. He may or may not need a buddy if you have lots of interaction with him and have other pets that would befriend him. Either way I would wait till he is healed and getting around good to introduce a buddy.

He may be too young to crow but I would guess he has not had much to crow about with his injury and all and there are no hens to crow for.

 

[ll]

Hello

would luv an update!
Photo? Crowing?