NY chicken lover!!!!

[LuvMyChicks1491]

Well, today was a terrible day. A weasel got into my coop. Lacie is fine, but it got two of my welshies (both females so I still have the drake thank God) and a bunch of hens. It also got all of my roosters except one, and they all went down fighting. It got Honey and his son Drone, which I am devastated about. Honey went first, it looks like. It also got Phoenix, my beatiful EE roo, and the last rooster who is alive killed it, so it won't be back, but it got him really good, and the poor thing ended up in the snow, and his feet were literally frozen solid. He doesn't look good and even if he does make it, he's probably going to be handicapped. I'm doing all I can for him though - he's a good boy and he almost lost his life killing the weasel so I'm doing all I can. At least now if he dies he will be warm and cozy.

Have his feet unfrozen but now they're swelling up, of course. Not quite sure what to do about that. I'm gonna put aspirin in his water for pain. I got the blood cleaned out of his feathers too and he ate two scrambled eggs for me. He's a bit on the thin side since he was low rooster on the totem pole and the others blocked his access to food so I'm gonna try to fatten him up. I'm also gonna worm and dust him - he can use all the help he can get. I've also put a heating pad under his tub to keep his feet toasty. Any other suggestions are appreciated.

I'm sooo sorry!

I feel so bad

 

[myfivegirls]

Sorry for your loss

- loosing any chicken is tough, but at least your roosters were doing their job of protecting the hens.
I had a rooster a few years ago freeze his feet, because he was a low rooster on the totem pole and the other roosters wouldn't let him back in the coop on a very cold day.
He happened to be under the coop, standing on ice & I had to pry him off. Yes, his feet did swell up, but I can't remember right now what happened to him.

Hope your rooster recovers!

 

[Purpletie3]

@Pyxis I am very sorry for your loss... I would be completely heartbroken also! Bless their little hearts for fighting to save the flock!

 

[Glasshen]

Pyxis, that was a horrible day! Glad the roosters killed that thing. With the swelling on the feet, keep them clean, don't let them get cold, this means extended indoor time, till Spring, which is probably forever. Don't rub them, that can lead to tissue damage. I think clean is the most important, since if they have blisters which open there is danger of bumble...frostbite is like a burn and first aid for burns doesn't include oils or lotions. I know people often do put stuff on burns, but that is not what is recommended.

 

[Pyxis]

Thanks everyone. He's still with me, and he's looking better now. Mostly sleeping, but a few minutes ago he woke up and talked a bit and shifted around, and now he's settled back down. His feet are clean, thanks to the soak in warm water to get them to unfreeze, and if he needs to be in a warmer place I'll keep him in the workshop where I keep the baby chicks this time of year with a heat lamp over him. Of course, that's after he recovers a bit.

 

[Gramma Chick]

Thanks everyone. He's still with me, and he's looking better now. Mostly sleeping, but a few minutes ago he woke up and talked a bit and shifted around, and now he's settled back down. His feet are clean, thanks to the soak in warm water to get them to unfreeze, and if he needs to be in a warmer place I'll keep him in the workshop where I keep the baby chicks this time of year with a heat lamp over him. Of course, that's after he recovers a bit.

Sorry this happened ..that is tough to handle ..
He is one lucky Roo...
I wouldnt dust him Or worm him at this time ....Give him a chance to recover from his injuries 1st

What about soaking his feet in warm water & epsom salts for the swelling
http://www.activebeat.com/your-health/10-of-the-best-remedies-for-swollen-feet/

 

[horsekeeper]

Pyxis, sad to hear you lost so many birds. Glad to know the little devil animal is accounted for so you don't have to worry about more attacks. This winter is making the predators desperate. A little falcon flew right in front of me and grabbed a starling in mid air right in my front yard a few days ago.

Sending positive thoughts for your rooster.

 

[Metella]

I know for the most part weasels are solitary and territorial - right ? but what about mating and raising young season? Isn't there a possibility there is another around ?

I'm not asking to scare Pyxis !!! but I found a dead weasel in the summer around my fruit bushes - think the neighbor's cat got it - just wondering for general purposes ...

 

[boskelli1571]

Well, today was a terrible day. A weasel got into my coop. Lacie is fine, but it got two of my welshies (both females so I still have the drake thank God) and a bunch of hens. It also got all of my roosters except one, and they all went down fighting. It got Honey and his son Drone, which I am devastated about. Honey went first, it looks like. It also got Phoenix, my beatiful EE roo, and the last rooster who is alive killed it, so it won't be back, but it got him really good, and the poor thing ended up in the snow, and his feet were literally frozen solid. He doesn't look good and even if he does make it, he's probably going to be handicapped. I'm doing all I can for him though - he's a good boy and he almost lost his life killing the weasel so I'm doing all I can. At least now if he dies he will be warm and cozy.

Have his feet unfrozen but now they're swelling up, of course. Not quite sure what to do about that. I'm gonna put aspirin in his water for pain. I got the blood cleaned out of his feathers too and he ate two scrambled eggs for me. He's a bit on the thin side since he was low rooster on the totem pole and the others blocked his access to food so I'm gonna try to fatten him up. I'm also gonna worm and dust him - he can use all the help he can get. I've also put a heating pad under his tub to keep his feet toasty. Any other suggestions are appreciated.

Oh Lordy! What an awful day!! So sorry for your losses. I have a terrible fear that something like that will happen to my girls...sounds like the rooster may make it, but like you say he's going to need special consideration. Best of luck, keep us posted, Sue

 

[Aria]

Pyxis and Bill, Hello and Welcome Bill. We had Blue Ribbon Call Ducks
for 15 years. One day while we were away something happened. Don't
really know what but all of our Blue Ribbon Call Ducks were gone.

A friend in Albany; who had purchased two of our Call Ducks learned
about our loss and she asked if we wanted Silkie Chickens. And
we now have a flock of Silkies. LOVE THEM. AND BILL THE Chickens
are more like pets and easier to care for. Regards, Aria