I'm actually in California. I did see plantain on a list of local plants. I'll have to double check.
Some interesting developments with my dear boy:
- Last night I researched natural pain treatment. There are several options, but my intuition led me to arnica, homeopathic medicine. I bought a 30c low dosage vial and gave him one pellet directly into his mouth. Indications that arnica would be a good choice are pain, muscle and internal injuries, and fear of being touched. The fear develops from both the pain and being touched when honey is applied. Once the shock wore off on the first day, he was exhibiting fear of my hands near his body, more on the puncture side than the other, which told me that's where he's experiencing the most pain.
- I went to bed, and when I came into his room this morning, I found what I thought was a convulsing, suffering bird. But nope. Henry the Rooster was actually, quite awkwardly, trying to stand. This was great to see. I'm not going to prevent him from doing what he feels he needs to do. For me this is an indication of an increase in his life force energy.
- We already had a tub of organic mixed lettuces and baby spinach, which they get every day. But when I was at the health food store I was drawn to a bundle of dandelion greens. He loves it, and I do think that's why his poop is green. But I'm learning green can mean other things, so I need to keep an eye on this.
- Thanks to the forums, I learned that chickens love it when their feed is soaked in water. I'm not sure I can safely maintain fermented feed, due to the high heat here and bacterial growth. But for now I'm soaking his food (probably not fermented; that takes a few days) and putting it on a dish with his beloved greens. I was using a spoon held up at beak level to make eating easier for him. He took a few pieces of greens and a quick nibble of the mash and stopped. So I walked away and came back and did it again, which seemed to pique his curiosity, and he ate some more.
- And would you believe, as I'm writing these very words, my boy's voracious appetite has returned and he's enjoying a plate full of mash and dandelion greens? It's such a joy to see.
- His wounds are healing surprisingly well. You don't have to use Manuka honey, by the way. Any wildcrafted, pure honey (read about that: some are blends and aren't 100% honey) can be used to treat serious injuries. But Manuka has additional healing properties and can significantly speed the healing process.
- As for his air sac, lung or body cavity puncture, I still don't know what to think about this. But he's no longer making those raspy breathing sounds, and I don't see any fluids in the opening.
- The green-blue skin around some of his wounds on the less painful side of his body, don't seem to be signs of an infection. It has lessened and is probably mild bruising.
- My concern is his underside. My husband can't be anywhere near Henry right now; it's too grotesque for him, and I can't safely flip him over and trim feathers by myself. Any suggestions on how to do this alone? I have no one to help.
- I let a therapy cat into his room. She's uncertain of her therapy status, but Henry is very alert and snapping his head around looking at her. I've also placed an order with my husband for one therapy hen. He doesn't do too well with chickens and is running around the yard trying to catch one. The therapy hen can't free roam. She has to be on my other side so I'm between them, both of them nibbling on treats.
And that's it for now, folks.
