Rooster recovering from dog chase? Is he in shock? Please help

[Marianne25]

Hi, yesterday my friend's small dog chased my rooster (22 weeks old) a couple of blocks, through woods, etc and into a neighbor's yard where he ended up pinned under a wood fence. The dog had him cornered but I don't believe she ever touched him. He was panting heavily and obviously seemed in a state of shock but once I held him for about 1/2 hour he seemed to recover (eating/drinking fine, and by the end of the day was mating with the ladies as usual). There are no injuries that I can see aside from a couple of scrapes on his legs but no bleeding.

This morning, he won't come out of the coop and seems to be sleeping standing up. (He was on the roost overnight, as usual).
Now he's standing with head tucked under wing. I tried to get him to drink but he's just standing there sleeping. (Please don't laugh at my "newbie" worry!) I don't want to just assume he needs a day to recover, though my gut tells me that's what's going on. (I am so sore from running through the woods after them and I can only imagine how he feels. HA)

I guess the part that has me worried was that he was acting completely normal yesterday after it happened and now seems almost comatose. Then again I know animals will tend to "act normal" to prevent others from thinking they're injured etc.

The chase was long and I'm sure stressful, and I'm hoping he is just recovering and getting much needed sleep. The hens are very concerned and keep going into the coop to check on him. Part of me thinks I should just walk away, stop obsessing about it, and let the poor guy recover. Is there anything else I should be doing?

thanks for your help.

 

[Pork Pie]

Chickens can be traumatised by events such as this - most certainly. Whether this is a slightly delayed response, its difficult to say. I'm not sure what you can do, since there are no external injuries. Sorry, I realise that its not much help.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi.

That does sound stressful. I would be disappointed if ANYBODY laughed at your worry, newbie or not!

It also sounds like he may just be recovering. Since that is the likely scenario I would maybe lower my concern a little but still be very cautious.... And NEVER let that little terrorizer of leash near any of my birds again! It could have ended very badly. Little dogs are just as dangerous and tenacious as any other predator. And obviously doesn't have recall.

If you want you could provide electrolytes or vitamins or probiotics for your boy, just as some assistance in recovering. Their are lots of recipes using only salt, baking soda, and sugar if you don't have any electrolytes on hand. Yogurt is a good probiotic. None may be necessary, but to me it's simple and it can't hurt. Even if it wasn't hot, it's likely he was over heated. When I chase my boys just a little, or when they are chasing tail... They always sound a little wheezie at the end for a few moments.

Wish I could be more help. But I am glad your boy survived yesterday, and here's to a speedy recovery!

 

[Marianne25]

thanks. now he is still in the coop, standing with his eyes closed. can't get
him to open them. but he is reacting to me talking to him (moved a little) but is mostly just standing with eyes closed or with head tucked under his wing. I don't think he has eaten or drank anything today. Should I try to take him out?

 

[centrarchid]

Getting run down by itself does not cause as observed. I have had to do such many times to catch birds and never observed any problems beyond temporary overheating and oxygen debt. Odds are bird suffered a crushing bite with punctures caused by teeth and you are seeing early signs of infection. Act fast.

 

[Marianne25]

There are no wounds. have checked from head to toes. He was chased 500 yards through brush and trees. was able to get
him to drink and he even copulated with one of the hens, !!! then right
back to sleeping standing up. am going to get some electrolytes now

 

[EggSighted4Life]

@centrarchid I believe you have much more experience than I do and gave good advice.

Maybe some sort of preexisting condition presenting itself?

Horny little bugger! That might make me think he was OK. If you are using electrolytes you should have the common ingredients in your home...

 

[EggSighted4Life]

• 2 c. Warm Water​
• 2 tbsp. Brown Sugar, Honey or white sugar​
• 1/2 tsp. Salt​
• 1/2 tsp. Baking Soda​

Mix ingredients together and swirl until ingredients have dissolved. If you have a baby or toddler in the house, you can add a few drops (3-4) of their Polyvisol vitamins (A, B, D). Keep solution refrigerated. This solution can be use full strength or diluted.
If you use baby vitamins, NO iron

 

[centrarchid]

I would look at him more closely. Much more closely. I have seen exactly as described before. Also check his feces.