Thanks, Fairview. I like that you don't pad anything. I'm learning a lot.
He's not a meat chicken; he's hen security, and he did a wonderful job saving their lives from the coyote. I've always wondered about that line between milking an animal along that's greatly suffering, versus allowing some space for figuring things out and seeing how they do within a three day period of time.
Today is the third day. I massaged his cold comb and once again it's been bright red for hours now. Tissue can die when it lacks blood/oxygen (not sure exactly). It doesn't seem to harm him, and it certainly makes me feel better seeing that nice comb all bright and cheery.
The main change today is he didn't show interest in the cooked egg. He swiped his beak through it and the pumpkin seeds and didn't eat. This was concerning, since he loves egg and seeds, and his appetite was encouraging.
So I made a mash from his feed, mixed in some seeds, added some dandelion greens from the health food store, unsalted tuna, and he started eating. Not like yesterday, but he's favoring the greens, and at least he's getting some protein.
He stopped eating when he heard one of his hens. I brought one inside and let her nibble on some of the food on a separate plate with me between Henry and the hen. You have to be careful, because they can be fast and they have power beaks. But she was totally focused on the treats, and Henry noticeably relaxed around her. I think it helped his obvious depression.
I bought some more Manuka honey, this time at the health food store. I didn't know there are differences. Some are tested and marketed as containing a specific amount of what makes it such powerful medicine. I've been using one from Trader Joe's and never thought to research it. You can also buy "Wound Honey", but it contains two other ingredients I don't feel are necessary, and it's much more expensive when marketed specifically as a healing agent, than just buying a jar of the honey.
A small amount goes a long way, so don't let cost prohibit you from keeping a jar of this honey on hand as a part of your medicine kit. Also, the Trader Joe's honey looked like normal honey, but the Manuka I bought at the health food store is creamier, which makes it easier to apply.
Now, as for the green "filled in" wound on Henry's underside, thanks to you guys I learned why it's filled in: it's a dang bruise!! I went to bed feeling a bit defeated last night and woke up hitting myself over the head. This is a learning process. I can't be expected to know everything all at once. But I have to say, my months browsing these forums helped me address different things as they've come up. A while back I read that someone's chickens prefer mash to dry feed. That's how I was able to get Henry to eat today.
So, once again thank you!
Pain is another issue. He's showing indications of pain on the side with the puncture. The puncture, I now know, is possibly an air sac or body cavity puncture. I'm not seeing worsening symptoms, and this morning I couldn't even find the opening. It may be healing together and mending. I'm not sure, though. But the previous two days I was able to easily see it.
One other note: He's not standing on his left leg anymore. I'm guessing when the shock wore off, the pain set in and that's why. I'm exploring pain relievers today to see what I can offer him. Bach Rescue Remedy noticeably calms him, which also helps with stress and his pain tolerance. But I don't want a suffering chicken, so hopefully I can figure out a good option to help him.
I sure hope documenting all of this helps other folks.
