S.O.S

[Jaimesweet]

Hi my chicken lover new friends. It seems I'm a stickler for trouble.....today I went to see my roo who I had removed and I didnt think he was getting the care that I was promised so I scooped him up and brought him home. He had no water and some frozen peas. Dried blood all on his comb which was torn off about half an inch. He also has a gaping hole behind his head. I gave him some nice hot water and he immediately washed his head and I put neosporin on his wounds. I contacted a close no kill shelter / zoo in my area and I'm hoping they can give him more medical attention. Broke my heart. The others I have seven now are all cozy together and he's just cast out to the bunny hutch alone and hurt. Yes my heart was meant to just have girls and keep the peace....but I raised three boys so you see my dilemma. Wanted to thank this forum because in my frantic state of mind I needed advice.....not my husband saying " they're just chickens " grrr lol I do have a question about dust baths though.....they dug up my neighbors bush and were so happy to use that dirt. I want to fill a bath close to our run so I dont make my neighbors mad...they have Pitt bulls whom I adore but they will kill my chickens so I'm working on more fence and I was wondering about the dirt ? Do I have to spend money on it?? Or can I dig up my mums lol?! Ty ttys peace

 

[TwoCrows]

Hi my chicken lover new friends. It seems I'm a stickler for trouble.....today I went to see my roo who I had removed and I didnt think he was getting the care that I was promised so I scooped him up and brought him home. He had no water and some frozen peas. Dried blood all on his comb which was torn off about half an inch. He also has a gaping hole behind his head. I gave him some nice hot water and he immediately washed his head and I put neosporin on his wounds. I contacted a close no kill shelter / zoo in my area and I'm hoping they can give him more medical attention. Broke my heart. The others I have seven now are all cozy together and he's just cast out to the bunny hutch alone and hurt. Yes my heart was meant to just have girls and keep the peace....but I raised three boys so you see my dilemma. Wanted to thank this forum because in my frantic state of mind I needed advice.....not my husband saying " they're just chickens " grrr lol I do have a question about dust baths though.....they dug up my neighbors bush and were so happy to use that dirt. I want to fill a bath close to our run so I dont make my neighbors mad...they have Pitt bulls whom I adore but they will kill my chickens so I'm working on more fence and I was wondering about the dirt ? Do I have to spend money on it?? Or can I dig up my mums lol?! Ty ttys peace

Oh I am so so sorry about your roo.

Many times roosters don't get the love and compassion as the hens do. You went with your gut on this and knew your rooster needed you. How sweet. Keep him his wounds clean nurse him back to good health. In the future you might either get him 7 or so hens or keep him in his own bachelor pad. Or you might divide up your present flock of hens and give them to him. Keep this group away from the other group. As long as he is not over mating a few hens, he could have a good life separated from the rest of the flock.

Good luck and I hope all this works out. Lots of people will tell you, "they are just chickens". Well, dogs are just dogs and cats are just cats. But they ALL deserve the utmost respect and love as the other. There are no creatures that deserve any less.

As for dust bathing, some people put a giant flower pot in the run and fill it with dirt or even sand. Just something they can bath and dig around in. Go out into the woods if you have to dig up some dirt and bring it home. Dig out of a clean spot and that will work.

 

[N F C]

Good luck and I hope all this works out. Lots of people will tell you, "they are just chickens". Well, dogs are just dogs and cats are just cats. But they ALL deserve the utmost respect and love as the other. There are no creatures that deserve any less.

x2!

 

[Jaimesweet]

Thanks ! I couldn't agree with you more !! I introduced two new hens last night and they all cuddled together ...this morning of course is a different story. My momma isn't taking to them just yet...I hope all this changes ! I'm in the midst of having a new bigger coop built for all my feathered friends ! A lot of work but when I have a nice fire and my injured guy sits next to me snd enjoys the warmth this is all worth it ! I hope I can keep things peaceful and regimented till spring !! Hopefully we have a great winter and an awesome summer ! I'm def learning so much as I go ! This group has been such a beacon !! Ty much for your words and advice I'm thankful and greatful for my byc friends !!!

 

[TwoCrows]

Introduce new birds slowly to an existing flock. Throwing them in all together will create chaos and possible injuries or even death. So keep new birds in a cage or fenced off area within the coop and run near the birds at all times. Everybody sees, nobody touches. After about 3 or 4 weeks, you can mix them all in. This will help with a lot of aggression. I like to add more food and water stations too when I add new birds as the older flock tends to guard these areas and can starve out the newbies.

Glad your boy is doing ok and enjoy some nice fireside comfort! Keep up with all the lovin'!

And keep us posted on things too!

 

[Jaimesweet]

Thanks TwoCrows....so I'll put them in the crate they came in with some food and water for a week ? Seems like a bit of a confined space but I will avoid injury at any cost !!! My roo taught me that lesson ! Thanks for the continuous support ! My boy is doing welli wish spring was here already so everyone could just relax lol ! Blessings and peace Jaime :+)))