Harvey the Great is Dying. . .

[Peppercorngal]

That may just have been him waking up and deciding he was in danger, so please don't hold that against him.

The hens would be heartbroken if they lose him, it sounds like. And yes, I have seen heartbreak in animals, even chickens, before. They can and do just give up and pine away, after losing a dear friend, or after a big shock, or something like that. I have saved them before, sometimes, and sometimes, I can't.

Back to Harvey... you may have to choose whether to force-feed him or let him go. They will waste away, and become very weak, and then just stop moving at all, and then die. What you can try is to get some baby vitamins into him (the variety with no iron), because only a few drops is all it will take to really help. The Rooster Booster or the Durvet vitamins and electrolytes won't help if he's simply not eating. The few drops of baby vitamins will.

No, I'm not upset at Harvey for trying to get away from me, that is natural. The problem is he is soooo big and heavy it's hard to control him. I have made the decision to let nature have it's way and let Harvey go. His hens still like to be around him and when they walk on him or "wake" him, I know he's happy they are around. I'll keep you posted on his progress towards heaven. I even thought about helping him along, but my husband, who would have to help me with anything I do with or to Harvey is just against any intervention in Harvey's "life". So without his help my decision is made! He doesn't seem to be in any pain, walks without a limp and all. I'll keep everyone posted on his progress to chicken heaven.

 

[CarpCharacin]

 

[Peppercorngal]

Thanks James! From me and Harvey.

 

[Kiki]

I am so sorry.


Would you be willing to send him to your state lab for a cheap necropsy once her passes so you know what was wrong with him?

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry about Harry the Great. He is a handsome rooster. I would try some vitamin B complex in tablet form or liquid. Thiamine (B1) sometimes will stimulate the appetite. If you have Poultry NutriDrench, that would work as well. Giving him some while on the roost at night could be a a possibility. I wear a handlamp with the red light on to go into the coop at night if I have to medicate birds.

 

[MROO]

Sorry about Harry the Great. He is a handsome rooster. I would try some vitamin B complex in tablet form or liquid. Thiamine (B1) sometimes will stimulate the appetite. If you have Poultry NutriDrench, that would work as well. Giving him some while on the roost at night could be a a possibility. I wear a handlamp with the red light on to go into the coop at night if I have to medicate birds.

The red headlamp is an excellent idea! Thanks!

 

[Peepsi]

I hope Harvey recovers on his own! Just read this thread, and he sounds like such a nice guy. I'm rooting for him and you!

 

[micstrachan]

I’m thinking of you and sweet Harvey the Great. We’re here to support whatever you decide is best for YOUR rooster. So sorry you are facing this. Hugs!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Sorry about Harry the Great. He is a handsome rooster. I would try some vitamin B complex in tablet form or liquid. Thiamine (B1) sometimes will stimulate the appetite. If you have Poultry NutriDrench, that would work as well. Giving him some while on the roost at night could be a a possibility. I wear a handlamp with the red light on to go into the coop at night if I have to medicate birds.

That is a great idea! Putting headlamp on shopping list! Thanks.

 

[Peppercorngal]

I am so sorry.


Would you be willing to send him to your state lab for a cheap necropsy once her passes so you know what was wrong with him?

I would if it is truly cheap! I know that I pay $7 to send a 4x4 inch package to my grand girls, with stuff in it that only cost me $4!! Do you have more information?