My shipped roo :( **He didn't make it**

[Jasper_899]

Something similar happened when I got a pair of silkies shipped to me. I figured it was from the long flight, I live in AK. The hen was in perfect condition, but the rooster however, was not. He wouldn't walk and if he did he moved backwards. Didn't want to eat or drink and just looked miserable. I called the chicken doctor and he recommend that I tube fed him right away. I did this for about a week, but he did not improve. My guess is that it was from a brain injury. He did have a vaulted skull. He died about a week and half after I got him and I was just devastated. Even though he was sick he was a beautiful bird. I kept in contact with the breeder the whole time and after he passed she worked out a deal with me to get another rooster. The second one arrived in perfect condition just like the first hen.

I hope your little guy improves and the shots work

If we had a vet here that worked on birds I would of taken mine there, but we don't sadly.

 

[Swissmiss989]

I wonder if this is more prone in boys. I'm glad to hear your 2nd one was healthy and well. My breeder is very nice and has offered me another one. I'm scared tho. I just don't know. Its hard to risk another bird. How did you find the courage to try again?

My vet, doesn't really know about pultry. He has had his own. Hes a general practice but hes very nice and is working hard with me. I showed up crying and with no appointment and he seen us anyway. Most vets I have met here are not so kind. I'm very greatful for him. He says birds and poultry are similar and did the study on birds.

 

[OvertheHenHouse]

Sounds like you have a gem of a vet - not familiar with chickens but willing to do the research. I'd stick with him, too - and still holding good thoughts ...

 

[Swissmiss989]

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Thank you. All thoughts are very much appreciated.

 

[Jasper_899]

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I thought about it for a few days, but I was determined to have a small flock of SQ silkies and all I was missing was the rooster. Seeing the hen arrive healthy definitely helped my decision.
Im glad I got him. He is the perfect guy. I love his crow, he makes nests for his hens, and he is now a proud father of 6 little babies. The judge at our fair show even complimented on him after the show. He said, "I have hens better than these, but that cock is the best I have seen in a while. Might be better than anything I have in my coop".

Every situation is different though, I hope your's end as well as mine did.

Our vets here seem uptight most of the time. I try to avoid them at all costs. I had a little Mini-Rex rabbit who needed stitches and they wanted to charge us 200.00

 

[SimplySplendidSilkies]

My Showgirl Cock was shipped and he also had a rough time. A very expensive vet bill later and he was on the up and up. He had a relapse 9 days into recovery and I brought him out of it again. Now 1 year later he is and has been great. Would I do it again? YES he was worth the trouble IMO. Not sure I will ever ship birds again though.

You may want to try Kaytee or Lefabers (baby bird Mix) which can be bought at Pet Smart.

I am so very lucky I have known the vet we now see all my life and I can call him up day or night. He has been treating a young pullet that got bitten by a spider for 3 mths now and has only ever charged for the meds. And we have done surgery 2 times now to remove staff. Dr. Walker is the best! Which reminds me I have to make him a cake or something.

SwissMiss I am not sure it is more prone in boys but it seems more boys get shipped.

I really hope you can pull your boy though this.

 

[Davian]

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Yeah, that's a great Vet.

 

[Swissmiss989]

Called the vet...again

He doesn't work weekends but he seen me again anyways. I think hes starting to think I'm crazy for trying so hard over a chicken.
He gave another shot to my boy. It doesnt seem much help but it makes him more comfortable so we did it again. Im still force feeding, im sure my roo hates me by now.
He didnt charge me for today either but I will go see him again monday. His friend happened to be with him and was "oh the chicken lady!" I said "yep the chicken lady"
In my area silkies are extinct. No one has a clue what they are. Thus is why I had to have him shipped in. But when I pull him out of the carrier everyone is like OMG thats a chicken?!? Its cool! (then they dont question my sanity as much lol)

 

[OvertheHenHouse]

Your vet is amazing. I had one like that where we used to live. I miss her a lot - lots of empathy, always available and very considerate on the pocket book ...
Still holding good thoughts for your boy!!!

 

[coopmstr1985]

Hope your roo gets better!