Rooster was attacked and now not walking but is eating and drinking

[melaniearej]

This is his injured leg, he can move it a little, I stretched it out and moved it around but he didn't really react, I don't think he liked it though. I felt around all the way up into his thigh and I didn't feel anything but not sure if I would know if there was something wrong or not. I compared with the other leg and didn't notice anything different.

 

[melaniearej]

Any other suggestions? This poor baby is only about 5/6 months old and just started taking care of 10 hens. I hope he makes a full recovery! Actually he saved one particular hen who seems ok other than scared to death now. I have been keeping her with my bantams and she likes taking care of them like babies, lol
She's back with her big girls now and seems to have calmed down. She will still sleep in bantam coop though, just in case. My Rhode Isalnds are bullies and she is still acting a little funny.
I appreciate the advice!! I wouldn't have know anything about that crazy sling thing! So thank you!

 

[islandgirl82]

Without any visible injuries, giving him time and keeping him calm is all you really can do for him. The turmeric is a wonderful suggestion and keeping him in the coop with the hens but still isolated will help him heal much faster than if he were completely alone so that's great. I would also make sure that you're continuing to gently move his leg every day to help prevent his muscles from tensing up to much and risking further injury...just like physical therapy. I'm glad his injuries weren't worse and that he did such a great job protecting your hens!

 

[melaniearej]

Yikes.. So Splinter, the rooster got out of that box.. Now I have to rethink how to do this. I don't have any extra crates to suspend him like some of the others I have seen. Any ideas? He is quite comfortable laying in the straw.

 

[MrsBrooke]

Yikes.. So Splinter, the rooster got out of that box.. Now I have to rethink how to do this. I don't have any extra crates to suspend him like some of the others I have seen. Any ideas? He is quite comfortable laying in the straw.

Tricksy Splinter!!

Any swelling today around his hock?

It's possible he just sprained it and, as islandgirl82 mentioned, time and TLC is the best thing for him. Do what you can with the sling... if he refuses to stay in it, he may hurt himself worse struggling, so go at his pace.

You're doing a wonderful job!

MrsB

 

[melaniearej]

Thanks everyone! I am rearranging everything and taking my puppies crate away to try to do another method for the sling. We will see how this goes. I will post pictures later if this works

 

[melaniearej]

Ok I tried to suspend him and I couldn't get it safe enough. He was struggling and I was too afraid he was going really hurt himself so he will have to rest in the straw. Thanks!

 

[MrsBrooke]

Maybe give it a try tonight when it gets dark?

Also, if you have a dog crate, you can usually suspend an old t-shirt (cut holes for legs and poops) between the "levels" and that can work (check out the thread "Chicken Slings" for a some photos of more ideas). Pine shavings in the bottom work well for poop clean up. Just make sure there's some way for him to access food and water (with vitamins and electrolytes).

Hey, @RareAvis , maybe you could help us out, too.

MrsB

 

[melaniearej]

Ok so I tried the metal dog crate, tomorrow I will try the plastic kind and and put the "hammock" between the levels
Is there anything I can do to prevent him from flapping out of it though? I tried the box sling and he flapped out, fell over and hurt leg got stuck on the box! I was horrified!
When I tried the metal dog crate, well to say the least that just didn't work. Ugh I just hope he will be ok. He is still eating and drinking.
I added more straw, maybe too much but he looks comfortable laying in it.

 

[islandgirl82]

If he's struggling that badly when you try to confine him to the crate but he seems fine when he's left just left to the straw, I think I'd forego the crate altogether as long as the hens aren't picking on him. Otherwise, he's sure to make his injuries worse.