Roo attacked no visible wounds

[banditgin]

um, she and I are trying to come up with a better name. Its either going to be renamed to Braveheart or Rocky (my pick)

 

[chickbea]

Is he still hanging in there?

 

[southernsibe]

It is a wonderful thing to report that the roo is doing a lot better. I wanted to answer your question about his name. It was...Soup. But I feel like he has proven himself to be such a brave bird he deserves a better name. Banditgin is voting for Rocky, while i like Braveheart, a bit on the dramatic side, but I think it fits his attitude. I also thought of Miracle Man, which I know would be shortened to MM, like the candy.

Today he got up to a full stand. He was holding his head up under his own power and even walked a little bit. Actually I think it was quite a bit considering the situation. He has taken these amazing awful poops. I am so thankful he has done it outside and not on me when I feed him or in the garage. YUCK. But I'm also happy they are out of him, lol. Today he poked the dirt with his beak to forage. He is getting a little restless in his box. I don't want to move him too soon because even though I don't know the extent of his injuries, I don't want him to over stress himself. I also don't want to put him back in with the rest of the flock. I want to make sure he is strong enough to hold his own with them.

Thanks for asking about him. Any suggestions for names?
Rachel

 

[southernsibe]

Update, to any that are interested. It seems as though the ear blockage was indeed impeding the RIR from keeping his balance and holding his head up. He now has walked upright and eaten on his own. The big news is...he crowed this morning. Since I have two adolescent chicks in my garage in a different cage from him it was somewhat amusing. The newest rooster crowed, and I have to admit it sounded rather silly, that just learned to crow sound. Then the RIR picked up his head a bit higher and crowed back. I happened to be watching because I had just let my dogs out. The RIR sounded a bit rusty, but I'm not complaining!
Rachel

 

[dlhunicorn]

so glad to hear he is doing better

 

[chickbea]

I vote for Miracle Man! I have to admit, after reading that first post last week I wasn't too optimistic about his prognosis, but what a trooper!
I was going to ask if you thought he had any hearing damage, but I guess not if he's already engaging in dueling crowing sessions with the youngsters!

Oh, how I love a happy ending! Nice nursing job!

 

[Mac]

Wonderful news! What great observation and care you gave him! And he is a survivor and a fighter, a brave little guy. Bravehart is a fitting name, although Ali might be too. Good work and best wishes on his continued recovery. Thanks for all the details; it really helps in case I have something like that happen with a neck injury with my hens.

 

[KrisRose]

I like Braveheart!! What a cool name!

 

[banditgin]

well, if you're not going to go for my suggestion (which I thought fit him very well considering his attitude pre-attack), I'll change my vote to Miracle Man.

 

[southernsibe]

Update,
He still seems to prefer to hold his head down, with his neck parallel to the ground, not hanging down as it was before. It is fairly obvious to feel the swelling on his neck, but hard to see. I am going to try and get some pic's later today. It almost feels like an "s" curve. He has continued to walk, with some improved balance. However, he seems to still need help to really eat efficiently. I assist him with his meals, and let him forage and free feed for the rest of the day. I am not letting him run with the flock, but he can be outside with me, that way I can protect him from the other birds. In particular my tom turkey seems to want to attack him. I think this may be left over aggression from before the attack because this rooster make it a point to terrorize everyone, and now they see he is down.

There is a thick growth of feathers on the front of his chest. They are all fairly new, only about an inch to an inch and a half long. I think they offered him some protection during the attack because they are still pretty stiff and most have the straw thing on them. I'm not sure what that casing is called.

I'm still not sure about the name. Part of me wants to see what his attitude is going to be once he returns full time with the flock. Will his manners change? hmmm

Rachel