Help my rooster is eating himself!!

[estpr13]

Somewhere on BYC someone posted a Finnish study of white petrolatum as a protectorant. They found that it may protect the skin by about 1 degree. But it caused people to get a false sense of security resulting in increased incidences of frost bite.

What the Vaseline does do is protect the skin from moisture loss, drying out and cracking. But not the cold.

 

[estpr13]

I have also heard that water conducts heat nine times faster than dry air. So Vasaline on the wattles may help with heat loss by protecting the wattles from the cold water?.

 

[the1much]

Quote:
I did try it on my hands after doing his combs and wattles and my hand were just as cold. I think vaseline even though highly recommended provides a false sense of security in these freezing temps.
Another thing the little particles of pine shavings would sometimes stick to his greased up parts and then the hens would pick at him making the problem even worse.
He is not the breed of Roo I would like for this climate but he was a packing peanut and turned out to be quite good natured easily handled and watch full of his flock.
He earns his keep and hopefully he will be happier after this.

he'll be happier,,,, as long as you DONT let him see a pic of himself,, or let him look in a mirror

 

[snowydiamonds]

Brewster was calm and looking at himself in the mirror...maybe he thought it was a hen?

At one point just when I thought we were done swabbing, he made sure I had red freckles...my adult kids would have fainted from that sight! Our temp is dropping thru the week again so that was a good reminder that I could put him in one of the airline crates in the house if need until he heals completely.

I'm hoping you aren't as exhausted as I was by the time you're done, I tried to stay calm and make it less stressful for him so he'd stay calm and it worked even though it really is an ordeal since we are doing this the first time!

 

[poussin_noir]

Well got it done last night...and to tell you the truth not so bad. Brought him in our work shed, disinfected scissors and wattles, wrapped him snugly in a towel and trimmed. A couple drops of blood only and a little struggle from him having his head held still but he calmed quickly and the procedure was fast. Silver nitrate stick cauterize the fresh cuts, soak up any blood with some gauze, and I sprayed a little liquid band aid. He was let go and started looking for things to eat and was not stressed at all. He then spent the night in a crate with pine chips and woke up this morning right as rain.
How can I thank you guys enough! He is no longer looking to make a free meal of himself!

 

[the1much]

ALRIGHT !!!!!
great job ,,, i swear the worst thing bout birds is our "heads" ,, lol ,, i was skiddish the first time i had to trim 4 inch spurs

thanks for letting us all know how it turned out !!

 

[snowydiamonds]

So glad you have great news, too! I never thought of the bandaid spray...I've got some in the bathroom cupboard, too Only, I hope it doesn't have anything to hurt him in it... like the birds who died of pain reliever while their owners were trying to be kind.

Once I saw Brewster in a hurry to do things w/his hens and talking again, I sat and watched a movie last night w/my son (who finally went back to work this morning-he hasn't had a job for a year!) instead of posting pics of how well Brewster's doing/feeling... I'll do that later today or tonight, post one of your's, too!

Just in case those of you didn't see another post where I Thanked everyone for helping me/us, I'll do so now:

THANK YOU!! I am also sincerely greatful to have had your help and Brewster getting back to his beautiful roo'ish self

 

[estpr13]

I'm glad to hear the experiences of someone who has actually done dubbing for the first time. I have been curious. I too would like to see pictures. Good job to both of you.

 

[Skip]

He's eating himself?

I'd cull him.

 

[BeckyLa]

Skip? For some reason I get the feeling that you're not paying attention.

Read back a few posts and you'll find she has dubbed him and he is doing fine now. Why cull if it's not necessary??