Rooster hit by a car

[Coralietg]

He hasn't changed much. He will get himself into a flap, try and get out of the basket, then spend the next 20 minutes doing the silent crowing motion.

The house smells like chicken poo and I feel bad that he is seemingly struggling to breathe. It's very frustrating.

He ate some oatmeal with chopped ham, but he doesn't show any interest in drinking water. I've been putting small amounts in a syringe and he will take it that way.

My partner is away on disaster relief and I'm alone with two young kids, it's been a tough day, so I apologise if my post is snippy sounding.

 

[daoustaj]

I think you are doing great, and he seems to be a bit better, a good sign.

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

Don't think you're being snippy at all. It just seems concerned is all and i get it, you're stressed. Perfectly understandable. He prob does have a collapsed lung. Can you put something over the top if the basket? Also, dim light keeps them quieter. Stick with soft food, mix a little mash in the yogurt if you have it and let him free choice on the water. You can offer it, but I wouldn't push it, he knows how much he needs and that's all you can do. It's a bit amazing he still alive really. (There's alot of water in yogurt and oatmeal) so he prob getting enough.

 

[Coralietg]

I've been dripping water on his tongue several times a day. Not much because a previous poster said I could drown him.

He's still here this morning, doing his silent crowing. If he was having to do such an emphasised movement to breathe, surely he would be exhausted? Could he be trying to crow, but damaged his throat and can't? I don't know, just throwing it out there.

 

[Ellochicken]

I think there it is very possible that he has a collapsed lung, and covering up the laundry basket with something would probably help keep him calm and help him sleep a bit.... As for the throat, I'm no doctor, but maybe his vocal chords were damaged? If you can, try to gently run your fingers along his throat...... but be very very very careful in case there is any damage.
Hope he feels batter, and may your partner be safe!

-Ellochicken

 

[aoxa]

I think there it is very possible that he has a collapsed lung, and covering up the laundry basket with something would probably help keep him calm and help him sleep a bit.... As for the throat, I'm no doctor, but maybe his vocal chords were damaged? If you can, try to gently run your fingers along his throat...... but be very very very careful in case there is any damage.
Hope he feels batter, and may your partner be safe!

-Ellochicken:yiipchick

I agree, keep him in a dark space so he can sleep and recover.

Seeing as you have small children, this would help him relax.

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

If he is constantly breathing that way, its not so good, a sign of air hunger, so any stress or movement won't be good. Alot of time covering the fowls cage with a blanket dims the light and calms them. Just make sure there's air flow. Yes, force feeding anything, including water is risky because he has a compromised airway and you can just easily fill the lung with whatever is in the syringe. Place a drop of water on the edge of the beak, if he wants it he'll drink it. Eating and drinking is a good sign, but its no cure, and just may cause more harm. He shouldn't be kept too warm, or too cold either, room temp is good. Quiet is best.

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

I hope this makes sense, and helps you. I try to explain the why part so easier to remember and you'll know why a thing is beneficial or not.

 

[Coralietg]

I've put him in the laundry room with a piece of board on top of the basket. It's a laundry basket full of holes, so no ventilation worries.

I had to leave the house today, so I left him with some chick mash. He didn't touch it. He did drink a little bit of water though. I will go back to oatmeal and scrambled eggs tomorrow.

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

Sounds all set. Remember eggs are the most nutriously complete food available, it's easy to digest, and there isn't alot of..waste biproduct. He doesn't have the same need for bulk right now, and since he's not exercising you don't want to overload his gut. He'll also use the moisture in the egg as a water source. Smaller amounts of water actually decrease internal bleeding and pressure. He's probably one big bruise inside, plus, water around the lung is to be avoided. The healing process is a whole lot of hurry up and wait and see. Less is more. Sips of water are fine. Right now he's readsorbing extracellular fluid from the bruises back into the bloodstream..so he doesn't need much fluid. Weight loss is to be expected. If he is still alive tomorrow you may want to think about getting a more suitable recovery pen. Something not too slippery to stand up. A large box, old rug for floor...they sell some really cheep ones at a dollar store. Find a cardboard box about 18 x 20. Or borrow a pet crate (then you can put him outside and air out the house) hooray.