Rooster got too cold...now what??? UPDATED AGAIN

[akcskye]

I could not get to my chickens for 3 days because of a downed electrical line in my back yard.

When I did get to them yesterday, my Roo, Christopher, was very "sluggish" and tired in appearance.

I grabbed him and ran to my mom's house, where I was staying, because we had no power at my house.

He appeared to be VERY chilled.

I went to the feedstore and bought some electrolytes to put in his water, and microwaved some towels to get him warm.

When I got him warm, he started getting spunkier...but he's still kind of lethargic and not the same "roo" he normally is (fussing when you pick him up).

What else can I do?

I've fed him boiled eggs and scratch...he's not really going for the scratch...and the electrolyte water, as well as maintained a warm spot for him.

He's full grown, but a Banty...none of the ladies took so badly to the cold and lack of food/water (we threw where we could but their run was destroyed so they couldn't get to it well)...so I guess it was harder on him.

Is this a "wait and see" now?

I'm open to any suggestions. Thanks!

***ETA*** He is also inside a carrier in my garage with towels and on my washer...about 4 foot above our gas "stove" that is lit outside to keep our pipes from bursting.

 

[peepkeeper]

Keep him warm and give him plenty of food and water. Don't fuss too much about this and that medication and supplement, chickens are resiliant and he should bounch back.

 

[jjthink]

Warmth, stress free environment and enticing food and drink for the moment.

Hoping very much that he will get better.

Keep us posted.
JJ

 

[picklespickles]

he'll prolly get better. don't worry. glad you all are okay. sounds like a big mess out there.

 

[jjthink]

How is he doing?

 

[akcskye]

Progress is slow...but it's still been pretty cold.

However, there IS progress.

He drinks but I don't seem to see him eating...he doesn't eat when I offer anything, but his poop has gone from runny to solid, so he's bound to be eating his scratch when I'm not looking.

When you go to get him now, he'll bawk bawk at you, even though he'll still let you grab him (something you can normally only do at roost time).

So, I think we're on the right track...just slow getting there.

 

[rooster-red]

Sounds like he's getting better, good luck!

 

[picklespickles]

if pooping, very good sign.

 

[jjthink]

Sounds like progress - I'm so glad.........

My roo adores a good grain bread - I wonder if that might entice yours to eat more? He also loves tomatoes cut into little pieces and warmed in the microwave so they are just right. Sometimes he loves warm mashed butternut squash - sometimes he doesn't. And he adores sunflower seeds.

Right now it might be good if his water is at room temp and not on the cold side - no doubt already the case since you have him inside recovering.....

Hope he makes a full recovery - it sounds really good so far! It takes time. I rescued a roo once that was nearly dead for an entire week after being frozen to the ground outside. Everyone thought he was a goner but I kept him warm and in a quiet environment and on Day 7 he finally stood up. And eventually ate and drank. He recovered fully.
JJ

 

[SpottedCrow]

Have you tried the baby bird handfeeding formula? That's got tons of good stuff in it...and it will warm the cockerels (

)of his heart because you serve it warm. We sell it at Petco.