Roo attacked no visible wounds

[southernsibe]

Thank you Chickbea for responding to this. It has helped to have someone to bounce ideas off of.

I am hoping she can come by tomorrow if she gets off work in time.

His neck seems a little stronger, but I may be deluding myself. It is so odd, if I brace part of his chest on my hand, it seems like his neck will stay up. Once I remove my hand, then flop, it goes down. I'd also think that he would be in so much pain that he wouldn't be as alert due to the shock.

I used some warm water and bathed some of the blood off of him, and revealed that there are what appear to be puncture wounds in a half moon pattern. They aren't large, but I think it is telling. It would seem that what ever had him had his entire head in it's mouth!

 

[dlhunicorn]

the neck paralysis would seem to indicate perhaps botulism? He will either recover from it or not if this is the case... just help ensure he gets enough to drink to ensure he does not become dehydrated.

 

[chickbea]

How's he doing this morning?

 

[southernsibe]

Well he made it through the night! I have to say I was mighty surprised. I got him to take about 30 ml of water at 5 am, then at about 10 he took more water and ATE!!!! I was holding him in my lap and my daughter brought me a canteloupe that never matured all the way, it only got about the size of a lime. I was holding it in my hand and he sort of pecked at it. I squeezed it open and darned if he didn't get very interested and eat it on his own! I was so happy and proud. What a trooper.

I also noticed something as I was petting him. His right ear flap, or what ever it is called, had quite a bit of dirt and debris. I have been gently brushing it away. I havne't wanted to get aggresive with it because it is such a sensitive area. After I cleaned more today I noticed that there is a horseshoe shaped black thing right in the begining of the opening. At first I thought it was a bug, but when I looked closer I saw it wasn't, I think it is dried blood. I worked it out a little bit and after I did that, he seemed to start holding his head up a little bit more. I am wondering if having something lodged in his ear canal would throw his balance off enough that he would keep his head down. It certainly would be a blessing rather then a broken neck! I will keep you posted. thank you for thinking of him.

 

[rooster-red]

Sounds like you might be on the right track.

 

[chickbea]

Oh yay, oh yay! I'm so glad he has someone as dedicated as you to help nurse him along.
I know nothing about how chicken's ears may affect their balance, but it sure seems to make sense. Or, maybe when he held his head up the blood was putting pressure on the ear drum or something. Who knows? - but it sounds hopeful so far!

 

[banditgin]

glad the rooster that was terrorizing your other chickens is doing ok. maybe he'll learn to go in the coop when you lock them up at night now (well, when he's better).

The ear thing makes sense - ears are what helps us humans keep balance.

 

[southernsibe]

The roo is doing better. He is taking sugar water and yogurt. He ate a mash of crumble mixed with the water today. He is standing, but not very steadily. He still hangs his head, but it isn't laying on the ground like it was. He makes noises when he hears me coming, and clucks a bit when I am handling him. An interesting note is that the bruising on him was a very vibrant teal color through the skin. Is that normal?

 

[Flufnstuffs~FluffySilkies]

GOOD NURSING JOB.
I mix a little dry oatmeal in the yogurt so it isin't so messy and is easyer to eat.

 

[chickbea]

I was on the road all day yesterday, but thought about your roo. I'm glad he's still hanging in there. What a trooper! What's his name?