Please help my roo!

[elcunni75]

1) What type of bird , age and weight. RIR roo, 4-5mo old, heavy for his age, I'd have thought!
2) What is the behavior, exactly. Limping, loping around yard rather than running. Still tries to be quite active w/ the ladies, so maybe there's still hope?
3) Is there any bleeding, injury, broken bones or other sign of trauma. Well, there are a few little nicks here and there on the underside of his feet. Red doesn't seem to be bothered if I touch them or not - he doesn't try to pull away or jump outta my hands.
4) What happened, if anything that you know of, that may have caused the situation. He's a 4-5mo old roo surrounded by 1yr old hens! There are a few other roos, but they don't seem to bother each other at all... all bunk together and no squawks, screams or other fights between them all.
5) What has the bird been eating and drinking, if at all. Red has been eating normal layer, scratch and veggie bits: apple peelings, carrot peelings, lettuce, etc.
6) How does the poop look? Normal? Bloody? Runny? etc. Normal
7) What has been the treatment you have administered so far? Observation only as I'm not sure what to do. I had noticed his gallop first on Sun. afternoon. I checked his feet - just a few nicks, nothing puffy, bloody, etc. I thought maybe he was trying TOO hard to be the King Roo and out did himself w/ the girls! But this afternoon, I have now noticed him to be pulling up one of his feet more and standing there, as if to rest.
8 ) What is your intent as far as treatment? For example, do you want to treat completely yourself, or do you need help in stabilizing the bird til you can get to a vet? I'd love to be able to fix it myself, if possible! Vets are TOO expensive! And I'm not sure if the vet my dog sees would see my roo! Guess I may be checking into that...
9) If you have a picture of the wound or condition, please post it. It may help. No pic yet.. not sure what to take a pic of!
10) Describe the housing/bedding in use All birds sleep in an insulated coop 8x12. We recycle the paper the kids bring home from school: put it thru the shredder and spread it out there! I just cleaned out the coop Columbus Day weekend, so its pretty fresh and 'clean'.

I hope someone on here can point me in the right direction so I can help the big guy!
Thanks,
Erin

 

[speckledhen]

Erin, he could have just sprained his leg or pulled a tendon. Roosters use their legs alot. Mine fly up on the stone BBQ grill to crow, then jump down and they hit hard, and the alpha chases his little brother, too. Is there any swelling or a black scab on the footpad or swelling in the hock joint? Do both joints look the same, in other words? If he has a knick on the foot pad, that is an avenue for a staff infection to set up (bumblefoot).

 

[elcunni75]

Quote:
Cynthia,

My first thought was bumblefoot.. there isn't any swelling, I'm afraid.
Second thought, sprain.. He doesn't like it when I feel his legs.. but I couldn't see a difference w/ him trying to get away from me! I'll look again when my DH comes home and can maybe help.
He is surprisingly sitting on a perch - doesn't walk along it (fell when he tried!).
A few questions, if I may:
How long should I let this continue to see if it gets better on its own?
Will he be ok w/ the remainder of the flock; Should I be isolating him? He appears to be the Alpha Roo..

I thank you for your help!

 

[jjthink]

Erin, I'm thinking what Cyn was thinking about a possible sprain. This has happened to my roo a few times in the past. Did my best to restrict his mobility for some days. Lifted him up to his sleeping spot and then back down in the a.m. before he could attempt to jump. In a handful of days improvement was noticeable. I also gave a bit of aspirin in his water which seemed to help his comfort level (and mine!). Gave him extra TLC and healthy treats to cheer him up. I only have one hen and one roo so separation was not needed. I don't know in your situation if the other roos may try to take advantage of the situation - if so, you might need to intervene...
Hope your roo will be well soon!
JJ