I Think New Rooster hurt my Hen? What do I do?

[jlgoinggreen]

I felt really bad for my sons Rooster and decided to let him free range with my hens. We had him in a dog cage for the past 2 or 3 days letting everyone get used to each other, but when we took him out today he went crazy on my hens. What's that about? At first I left him alone thinking he was just claiming his pecking order thing. I got busy with the vet who was here about my cow and left them alone. When I cam back I found one of my hens in the coop. They usually get up and follow me around, but she just laid there. I gave her a little nudge and it seems her leg is off. She can't stand on it. We felt it all the way to her feet, but I don't feel anything broken.

Any idea what is going on? Have I lost a hen or is this fixable? I am so upset and locked the rooster back up as I noticed him butting chests with another one of my hens. Is this normal or should I give him back to the previous owners? He's gorgeous, but I don't want to take a chance and let him destroying my flock one by one.

 

[Chicken Chat]

Poor little hen..... If it doesn't feel like it is broken, maybe it just got wrenched pretty good. I had a hen that landed wrong jumping off the roost one time. She wouldn't walk for a day or so, then limped for awhile. She had a bit of swelling that I put ice pack treatments on, now you would never know she ever had a problem. It sounds like you have an agressive rooster, but he may calm down after awhile. Sounds like he was trying to show them he's boss.

I would keep an eye on your hen. Make sure she has food and water near her if she can't move and that the other hens aren't picking on her. You may have to seperate her until she is more mobile if they are picking on her. Hopefully she will be ok and somebody with more experience will post.

 

[jlgoinggreen]

Thanks. We separated her. Actually she's in the house in a box. I wanted to make sure no body picked on her and that she had her own food/water. I really do hope she will be OK.

 

[CheerfulHeart2]

Hope she is ok.

 

[jlgoinggreen]

DS put her back in while everyone else was asleep. He stated he will check on her first thing in the morning. Last I looked at her she was standing (which is a plus), but still not walking. We'll see how she is tomorrow.

Should I let the rooster out again tomorrow? I'm guessing this is the natural way of showing who's boss or is he being too rough?