My Blind Chicken Steve (aka Stevie Wonder)

[Artistanniekay]

Yes that’s exactly right. I don’t mind putting him in at night but I want him to go in the coop during the day when he gets cold

 

[Artistanniekay]

How does Steve get up the ramp in summer?

He

 

[Artistanniekay]

He doesn’t ever go into the coop. When I put him in he doesn’t like it and goes out as soon as he can but I am worried that he will fall off the ramp and get hurt. I am preparing a handicapped accessible ramp with sides.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Have you ever tested his vision in any way? Is it possible he can see some shading of light and dark, and he doesn't like the coop because to him it is pitch dark and he can't navigate at all? Imagine if you are wearing sunglasses and then go inside with them on. It's really dark and you can't see. Is that possible? If so, I may have a suggestion or two.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

When you put him up at night, does he roost on the floor, or where?

 

[EggWalrus]

If you put a radio on a timer in the morning and around closing time, he may get the idea to find the Sound. Or a recording of some shaken Corn.

Or even an alarm clock that let's him know it's time to come home. He can walk towards the sound. You may need to condition him and the others for treat time when it goes off at the beginning.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

If he can see at all, you might try putting strings of Christmas lights along the ramp, and also a night light in the coop. Of course if he's totally blind, these things won't help.... also, is there a low roost he can get on, with a small step up? Like maybe even one of those half cinder-block things he could get up on, if you put food on it?

Just brainstorming. Something's gotta work!

 

[Artistanniekay]

Have you ever tested his vision in any way? Is it possible he can see some shading of light and dark, and he doesn't like the coop because to him it is pitch dark and he can't navigate at all? Imagine if you are wearing sunglasses and then go inside with them on. It's really dark and you can't see. Is that possible? If so, I may have a suggestion or two.

 

[Artistanniekay]

I have not tested his vision, but you make a really good point. I usually put a heat lamp in the coop in the winter so I will try to get that up today. What were your other ideas? I think it’s possible that he might see some difference between light and dark because when he cries it’s always in the morning. Unless it is just a response to other roosters in the neighborhood.

 

[Artistanniekay]

When you put him up at night, does he roost on the floor, or where?