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Hello, I had a girl years ago that was permanently lame in one leg. We ended up building her a small run next to the big run so all the birds could see each other but the lame one couldn't get hurt. She also had a small coop just for her inside the larger coop (she had her own separate entrance so at no time was she among the rest of the flock. Maybe you can figure out a way of keeping your girl with the flock with certain protections in place.

Good luck!
 
Hiya, and welcome to BYC!! :frow You've received lots of suggestions to help with Indigo. Thus far, you've done wonderful for her. :love

@TwoCrows may be right that the stink could be a yeast infection. I'd give her, and them all for that matter, some probiotics. Sugar-free Greek yogurt is one of the best. There are powdered products for their water too. We ferment grain/feed which is also high. It may not be the issue but would help their gut flora.
 
Callender Girl said:
First off, Indigo is lucky to have someone who cares enough about her to want to help her. Not all chickens that are "different" are that lucky.

She does have a unique stance, but you also said she seems to be a happy girl who is able to do normal chicken things. Despite everything you are told about chickens being flock creatures -- which is true -- some do better and are safer by themselves. If Indigo is cooped within another coop, she still has company, but you are protecting her from bullying.

I don't know how cold your winters are, but Iowa winters can get in negative double digits. I had a Cochin Bantam hen who survived last winter alone in a small coop after her coop mate of many years died. If Indigo's coop is inside another coop that has adequate ventilation and is draft free, she will probably be okay. And, you will probably worry anyway; I did.

Because of circumstances that would take too long to explain, I have had a house chicken for four years. In many ways, it is far from an ideal situation, so I understand not wanting Indigo to live in indoors. Flock integration has proved impossible. Coincidentally, like Indigo, my girl lays blue eggs.

I've also had a few "special" chickens. Does Indigo ever fight back? One of my most fierce girls was the aforementioned Bantam, who died. Sally suffered a stricture wound to a leg that left it totally stiff after surgery. But she learned to fight her own battles, and for years, she hopped like a maniac -- running off anyone who thought she was an easy target.

Welcome to BYC; I hope you find the best possible advice and solutions for Indigo and all of your flock!
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She has defended herself a few times, so I’m ok with letting her free range when I’m able to be out there with her. But I’m probably too over protective of her so I don’t let her free range with them if I have to run inside and won’t be around to help her if needed. I’m in NJ so we get decently cold but not near your winters. I’m glad to hear that your chick was able to do well in pretty much the same circumstances.
Thank you for the kind words! I wondered for a bit if I should try and rehome her to one of the many farms we have around us, if she would be better off there, but we really love her. I will definitely keep a close eye on her on the colder days to make sure she’s ok. 😊
 
TwoCrows said:
Hello and welcome to BYC! :frow

I am so sorry about your girl. :hugs She sure is pretty! :love If she is permanently disabled, she may never be able to be integrated depending on the personalities in your flock. She may always be picked on because she is different. So if you find this is the case, you might try and find one or two of your birds that do get along with her and keep her and them in a separate coop, they can all live a happy life together.

As for her being stinky, she most likely has a medical problem which needs to be addressed, stinking isn't normal. Sounds like she may have an internal yeast infection. You might find a vet you can take her too, you can also start a thread in our Emergency forum for more help... https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures.10/

Good luck with your girl! ❤
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Oh, sorry I should have specified, it’s just the poop that’s stinky! She herself is not stinky. Just being in the enclosed basement pooping all day made the whole basement stink to high heaven! 😊
Thank you!!
 
MooneyMenagerie said:
Oh, sorry I should have specified, it’s just the poop that’s stinky! She herself is not stinky. Just being in the enclosed basement pooping all day made the whole basement stink to high heaven! 😊
Thank you!!
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OH, then next time, try horse bedding pellets. It's all we use; no smell, no muss, no fuss. I hear PDZ stall refresher helps too but haven't tried it.
 

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