Rooster severely injured after predator attack

[Freysnes]

Hey there !

I need a bit of your help. Tonight as I went to put my chickens in for the night I came across my rooster severely injured and a couple of my gals a little hurt (they are fine.)

After inspecting I see that my rooster has been almost plucked clean by something. He’s missing his wing weathers, tail feathers and all over his back but nothing from chest up.
he’s obviously exhausted and in pain but there is no blood nor open wound so I don’t want to put him down if I can get by it. I am prepared to do the work since he is a favourite.
a vet is not an option since there is no vet who will take chickens here.
Does anyone have a similar story they can share or have any idea what is the best thing to do for him?
thank you in advance !

 

[Freysnes]

Hi everybody !
Thank you all for the responses and affection. Unfortunately my guy succumbed to his injuries around 1:30 am last night.
he will be greatly missed but at least he didn’t die for nothing !

 

[MROO]

Hey there !

I need a bit of your help. Tonight as I went to put my chickens in for the night I came across my rooster severely injured and a couple of my gals a little hurt (they are fine.)

After inspecting I see that my rooster has been almost plucked clean by something. He’s missing his wing weathers, tail feathers and all over his back but nothing from chest up.
he’s obviously exhausted and in pain but there is no blood nor open wound so I don’t want to put him down if I can get by it. I am prepared to do the work since he is a favourite.
a vet is not an option since there is no vet who will take chickens here.
Does anyone have a similar story they can share or have any idea what is the best thing to do for him?
thank you in advance !

Bring him jn, keep him warm and give him electrolytes to help with the shock. Offer him water, then food. It may be a few hours before he'll take anything on his own, so if he won't willingly take liquids, put a few drops of electrolytes (Sav-a-Chik, Gatorade, Pedialyte, even sugar water) along the side of his beak using an eyedropper or tiny spoon. He should swallow them on his own, that way, which avoids getting fluid in his lungs ... which he definitely does not need, right now!
keep a close eye on him so you can tell if there are internal injuries. If it's just feather loss, he can likely recover ... but he'll look pretty silly for a while, the poor brave little guy!

 

[webmistress32]

Thinking of your guy this morning. Did he make it through the night?

 

[Gallinarium]

Hey there !

I need a bit of your help. Tonight as I went to put my chickens in for the night I came across my rooster severely injured and a couple of my gals a little hurt (they are fine.)

After inspecting I see that my rooster has been almost plucked clean by something. He’s missing his wing weathers, tail feathers and all over his back but nothing from chest up.
he’s obviously exhausted and in pain but there is no blood nor open wound so I don’t want to put him down if I can get by it. I am prepared to do the work since he is a favourite.
a vet is not an option since there is no vet who will take chickens here.
Does anyone have a similar story they can share or have any idea what is the best thing to do for him?
thank you in advance !

Do you have any other roosters? It could be extreme bullying. The hens could be doing it too, of course. It could also be a predator, but I've never heard of a predator simply plucking them.
You don't have to put him down; while plucking is extremely stressful, it isn't life-threatening, unless he gets hypothermia overnight.
Could you get pictures?

 

[bill3607]

Possibly internal injuries.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry that you lost your rooster. I would be very worried that the predator might come back for more chickens. What types of predators do you have in Iceland. Dogs, raccoons, hawks and eagles, feral cats, minks and weasels, and foxes are well known. A game camera could be helpful in catching one. I would look for any tiny openings, even 1 inch, as in chicken wire or a space around a door can be an opening.

 

[Tankueray]

What kinds of injuries did the hens have? What kind of struggle indicators were there where you found them? Is there any possibility of him getting into/near a machine at all?
The only animal I know that doesn't leave teeth or claw marks, and would just pull feathers rather than trying to kill, is a human. I'm sorry, but you may need to look at the younger humans in proximity of your home to see if any have scratches or marks on their hands and arms, and you may need to call the authorities. Animal abuse is generally an indicator of deeper psychological problems. I pray that I'm wrong, I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[Freysnes]

Here is a picture of the guy. No other roosters, just him and his girls. No way it’s another chicken. They were all terrified :/.
How warm are we talking ? We have him under a heat lamp atm and he seems to relax a bit. Won’t take any food or water and if I put some up to his beak he doesn’t react yet. Attack happened approximately 2-3 hours ago I would think..
thank you all for your fast reply’s ! Absolutely love this forum

 

[webmistress32]

Poor guy! Roosters are so charming. Sounds like he sacrificed himself to save his girls. I hope he makes a full recovery.