Old Rooster Unable to Walk

[Ted the Rooster]

My rooster, Ted, is coming up on 6 years old now. He’s survived many attacks from animals but unfortunately been dealing with bumble foot and scaly leg mites for 2 years. Me and my mom tried treating him, currently we have been treating him for about 3 months almost every day. This included soaking his feet in epsom salt and warm water, cutting out the infections from bumble foot, putting oil on his scales to suffocate the mites, spraying his feet with many different solutions, putting medicines in his food and water, changing out his bandages and doctoring his feet daily. This helped cure his scaly leg mites but not his bumble foot. It has seemed like as soon as we were able to get one infection out a new one would appear. Currently one of his toes is swollen to the about 3x the size of a normal chicken toe, we’ve been able to get the infection out a while ago but it has stayed swollen, making it difficult for him to walk. As for his other foot he has been avoiding walking in it for a few weeks, it looks healthy the infection is gone but i think he might’ve lost some feeling in it. He has been hopping on one foot, lying down most of the day, using just his toes on his other foot, and spreading his wings to the ground to balance but the past 2 days he has been lying down all day long (in the past year he’s never been able to walk like a healthy rooster and has sort of galloped and flown with his wings to get places). When i went to give him and his hen a treat he was trying to stand back up but couldn’t, i helped him back up and he hopped a little ways before falling back down. Also to mention this past week his comb suddenly shrunk and got more pale. I know he is beyond recovery but i was hoping someone might know of something i can do to make him feel more comfortable and maybe get around a little better, before he passes.

Side note- I think part of the reason he’s gotten worse is not only age but the fact he just recently lost 2 of 3 of his hens last month to daytime attacks.

 

[Eggcessive]

Could you post some pictures of his feet and legs? Do you think he would tolerate a chicken sling? Six is a bit old for a rooster, especially with his history. He might be dealing with arthritis or even gout, but pictures can help. Sometimes when they get to suffering, putting them down can be a kindness. Have you tried giving him a half of an 81 mg low dose aspirin for pain?

 

[LoveChickens27]

I would recommend putting him down but if you really can't stomach that I would recommend using these Homeopathics and Flower Essences.

Angle's trumpet: This flower essence helps a chicken surrender to and have strength through the process of dying. Rub two drops on their back several times a day.

Bach Rescue Remedy: Use to relieve general anxiety. Rub 2 drops on their back periodically during the process of dying.

Arsenicum Album: Use for chickens that seem to be resisting death or experiencing tension or fear during the process.

I am really sorry about your rooster. I hope this helps, and remember when he goes, he will have no more pain. I always tell myself that when we put a chicken down or when it dies. It is MILDLY comforting.

 

[LoveChickens27]

Also, he is REALLY handsome. LOL