Grace, thank you- i think he knew he was loved, and i did what i could- my heart is lost to chickens, but silkies in particular- little puddin is on my shoulder sleeping, i think she misses him, and as usual is a motor mouth, a real cuddler. at least he wasn't traumatized - and as far as i could tell not in pain, just worn out. thanks to everyone for helping even though it didn't save him...