Artistanniekay
In the Brooder
- Oct 30, 2019
- 29
- 78
- 46
Earlier this summer I purchased some pullets which included a beautiful pair of white silkies. As I integrated the new chickens into my flock I noticed the young rooster seemed to not be very bright. He didn’t go into the coop at night and didn’t seem to be finding the food and water. I trimmed the feathers around his eyes and figured out he was blind. I never heard of a blind chicken before and was really unsure if Steve could live a good life. A lot of people told me to kill him. I figured that would be my last resort only if I felt he was not enjoying life. Every morning and night I carried him to the food and tapped on it. He would eat like a little machine. Soon he was strolling around the chicken yard with his hens and was able to locate the food on his own. He even began to crow occasionally. I’m glad I didn’t kill him. Now it is starting to get cold in Wisconsin so I need to figure out how to winterize him. I have been starting to go out after dark when all the other birds except Steve’s wife Juliet are in the coop. I put the couple in the coop and lock the door so Steve doesn’t fall off the ramp. I am working on an idea for a handicapped accessible ramp for him. What I’m looking for from you are your ideas on how to give Steve a good life during the winter. I usually leave the coop door open and the ladies come and go as they please but I’m concerned once Steve gets out he won’t find his way back up the ramp and he would freeze to death on a cold day. I appreciate any ideas you can offer. I have considered putting Steve and Juliet in a cage in my horse barn but that’s my least favorite option separating them from the flock. Any ideas would be welcome.
