Rescue Chickens can’t roost

[kattfink]

I rescued 4 Isa Browns from a caged environment. There were 50 of them all kept in a shed. They are approx 8 months old and very clumsy on their feet. I’m wondering if they have long term damage from being kept in cages? They struggle to step up onto things, and really stumble over a wooden ladder I have lying about 20cm off the ground. Will they ever be able to grip things with their feet? Let alone perch?

 

[featheredplanets]

With time they should heal. They may even benefit from warm foot baths and getting treats for roosting. That’s just what I’d do, it may sound silly to others. Poor girls. They should be fine after a good couple months recovery though.

 

[DiYMama540]

Have you checked their feet for bumblefoot or any physical reason they could be having trouble?

 

[cluckadoodledoo13]

Good luck with them, hopefully they’ll get the hang of it after a while. Meanwhile check for physical injuries.

 

[Percheron chick]

Their nails might need trimming back so the foot is flat on the ground. They'll be fine in a week or two.

 

[Folly's place]

Also check for mites or lice, and treat if necessary. Good food, a good environment, and time will build their strength and let them learn to be chickens.
Mary

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Kuddos to you for rescuing those chickens! They are one lucky flock!

 

[Daisycar]

Don't worry, they will learn. My ex battery hens did the same when we rescued last September. They slept all together in a corner of the coop and didn't perch. Maybe they enjoyed the warm straw under their feet used to feel the cold wire of the cages. I set a small pallet in that corner to let them get used to it and learn to grasp it. After few days they became more confident with the environment and they began to sleep in the roosting bars I've built for that use, but one of them is still sleeping on the pallet. If she is happy...I'm happy too!

Ps: someone had long nails, now the nails are perfect.

 

[kattfink]

Don't worry, they will learn. My ex battery hens did the same when we rescued last September. They slept all together in a corner of the coop and didn't perch. Maybe they enjoyed the warm straw under their feet used to feel the cold wire of the cages. I set a small pallet in that corner to let them get used to it and learn to grasp it. After few days they became more confident with the environment and they began to sleep in the roosting bars I've built for that use, but one of them is still sleeping on the pallet. If she is happy...I'm happy too!

Ps: someone had long nails, now the nails are perfect.View attachment 2104782

That's great to hear! Thanks, you have re-assured me that they will adjust. Those posts are a good idea... nice and thick.