Knocked my rooster out cold :( is he ok?

[Panther99]

Hey everyone,

This morning I went to go do my daily barn chores and my particularly feisty Australorp rooster for whatever reason decided he wanted me dead.

He chased me around the yard for a minute jumping in attempts to sink a spur or two in me and even tried to get some in with my dog (bold of him since he’s a German Shepard) until I finally delivered a much too hard of a kick to his little brain case.

He quickly fell to the ground and started flapping his wings uncontrollably. I thought for certain that I had broken his neck. I quickly picked him up feeling really sorry for him and eventually placed him back on the ground thinking he was a goner.

a few seconds later he hopped up onto to his feet but stood around completely dazed for about ten minutes showing no interest in any of his hens or making any calls which he normally does every few seconds. Later he took refuge in a nesting box and has sat there since, only awake when I’m around to check on him.

I guess my question is do you guys think he’ll recover? I’m a little worried that I might have given him debilitating brain damage or maybe even some lethal internal bleeding. He walked himself around and was alert to me and my dog which is a good sign, but I’m really afraid of finding a dead rooster in a couple hours.

Thanks!

 

[azygous]

Your guess is as good as ours. It's a plus in his favor that her didn't die on the spot. But no doubt, he's injured.

I guess I don't really need to tell you that punishing a rooster rather than disciplining and training a rooster, is not helpful. As you can see, now you're saddled with an injured rooster.

There are many good rooster training threads here. Roosters can be trained with consistent discipline, and they generally learn fast. Punishing a roo doesn't accomplish anything but making him fear and distrust you even more than he did before.

 

[BGcoop]

I believe time will tell. It’s a good sign he was up and walking and wakes up when you are near. Yes there may be damage, but for now it sounds like he is able to do most of the things a rooster does, and chickens are tougher than we sometimes give them credit for. I would just watch him for now and see how he does.

 

[HawaiiCoyote]

I'm sorry about your rooster. I agree with azygous...
Welcome to BYC!

 

[Panther99]

Your guess is as good as ours. It's a plus in his favor that her didn't die on the spot. But no doubt, he's injured.

I guess I don't really need to tell you that punishing a rooster rather than disciplining and training a rooster, is not helpful. As you can see, now you're saddled with an injured rooster.

There are many good rooster training threads here. Roosters can be trained with consistent discipline, and they generally learn fast. Punishing a roo doesn't accomplish anything but making him fear and distrust you even more than he did before.

Thanks for the reply!

I’m never beating on him again that’s for sure. The fact that he’s still alive gives me hope he’ll survive. Currently he’s sleeping in a nesting box and is mildly alert to my presence. I’ve placed some food and water within reach of him and plan to just leave him alone for now.

I read a few other post were some people hurt their roos pretty badly with shovels, pitchforks, etc but I couldn’t find any were the rooster was K.O’d. The fact that was unconscious for a few seconds really frightens me.

I know it sounds stupid considering my prior actions, but I really have a lot of empathy for animals and feel terrible for what I’ve done. I’ve never slaughtered any of my chickens before and really consider them pets.

I’ll update this post with the condition of the rooster if anything changes just in case someone runs into a similar situation in the future.

 

[Panther99]

I believe time will tell. It’s a good sign he was up and walking and wakes up when you are near. Yes there may be damage, but for now it sounds like he is able to do most of the things a rooster does, and chickens are tougher than we sometimes give them credit for. I would just watch him for now and see how he does.

That seems to be my only option really. I appreciate the reply!

 

[alwaystj9]

My ex-father-in-law 2x4'd a buff orpington attack roo I had and knocked him out cold. He was out for about 10 minutes and woozy for the next 24 hours. He went right back to his mean attacking self by the third day.

 

[gimmie birdies]

I never let a rooster chase me at the beginning. First you may think it is a game, but they get bolder and bolder. If roosters come near I pick them up. Most that come near like being picked up. Never turn your back unless he knows you are the boss.

 

[Panther99]

Update!!

The big man seems to have made a full recovery! At some point he snuck out of the coop and quickly herded his flock back together. I observed him for a few and he didn’t seem to be displaying any strange behavior. He’s back to being very noisy and is even getting busy with some of the hens! He is however a little afraid of me at the moment but I don’t blame him. I feel silly for making all these post when really I just had to wait an hour to two, but I’m very greatful for all of the feedback y’all have given me!

Heres an action shot of him mid call.

 

[alwaystj9]

Whatcha gonna do next time he comes after you??