How long can a chicken survive on water?

[LilliannaMatthews]

Yesterday, I found my free range rooster( he’s been wild for a long time, and he usually keeps his distance) at my barn standing up in a weird position. I snuck up to him and wondered why de didn’t run, so I grabbed him and he kind of panicked. I looked at him and saw that he had been in a fight with his some and he was hurt badly. Both of his eyes had been swollen( he might be completely blind), so I brought him home. I would tap him so that he would know to drink water. He drinks water often, but he won’t eat. I’m starting to get worried about him. What should I do? Putting him down is not an option, so don’t go there. How can I get him to eat? I really don’t want him to die. Also, he never ate out of my hand or learned to come to a call because he was wild his whole life. He only came to the barn to eat and sleep.

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

sounds like a real big problem. You could try putting scratch in the food but if he’s really in a lot of pain and you know he’s dying then if you really love him you need to put him down. It is the humane and loving thing to do. Could you take a picture? Maybe that would help. Does it hurt to eat? Are only his eyes swollen? Maybe his throat is and he’s having troubles eating. You could try mixing the water and food and soften it! Or all chickens love fermented food but it takes three days to ferment... I’ll keep thinking!

 

[SulkyBantam]

Putting him down is not an option, so don’t go there.

I understand your feelings about this and won't jump up telling you to cull him yet for sure, I always believe in giving him a chance.... but it's FAR, FAR kinder, if necessary, to put him out of his misery rather than have him slowly starve to death.
It's not an option even if he'd die slowly if you didn't (not saying he will. I pray he'll recover for you )?

Good luck and my sympathies.

 

[SulkyBantam]

Could you take a picture? Maybe that would help. Does it hurt to eat? Are only his eyes swollen?

Agreed, good questions.

You could try mixing the water and food and soften it!

Absolutely, do try this.

Do you have any soft fruit he likes?

 

[theoldchick]

Find a powdered bird feeding formula and mix it with his water. This will give him extra calories and nutrients.

An avian vet can help you in determining exactly what is wrong with him and prescribe antibiotics to help with his infection. In the meantime keeping him warm and in quiet area will help him if he is in shock. If he seems to eat the liquid bird feeding formula without problems you can try adding tiny amounts of scrambled egg to the mixture. Good luck!

 

[SulkyBantam]

Find a powdered bird feeding formula and mix it with his water. This will give him extra calories and nutrients. View attachment 2560830

An avian vet can help you in determining exactly what is wrong with him and prescribe antibiotics to help with his infection. In the meantime keeping him warm and in quiet area will help him if he is in shock. If he seems to eat the liquid bird feeding formula without problems you can try adding tiny amounts of scrambled egg to the mixture. Good luck!

Also good advice!

 

[theoldchick]

https://the-chicken-chick.com/how-to-care-for-injured-chicken-and/

 

[theoldchick]

You can also treat his eyes by flushing the area with saline solution (You can get it at Walmart in the eye section) then apply Terramycin Ointment (available at Tractor Supply) twice daily for 5 days.

 

[Al Gerhart]

Try offering the poor dude some soft boiled eggs that are mashed up. He needs protein and calories ASAP. If all else fails poke some down his gullet a bit at a time. Very small amounts, just morsels at first. See if he swallows them and try again in a few minutes.

 

[SulkyBantam]

How is he today @LilliannaMatthews ?