Shattered Wing?

[Petite]

Hi all im new here and was hoping for some help. I have a cockerel who I think may have a shattered wing having felt it, it feels as if it is shattered next to where it is joined to his body. He is eating, drinking and cleaning himself and also showing interest in the hens. However he sometimes stumbles and holds his head low to the ground and is huntched to one side as if in pain. I read about people vet wrapping broken wings but will this work as it isnt a straight break and also has been like this for more than a few days. He has also stopped crowing but his comb is red. If nothing can be done is it cruel to keep him alive? I would be very grateful for any advice at all.

Thanks a mill, Petite.

 

[chicknmania]

How did he do this and why do you think it's shattered? It is not necessarily cruel to keep him alive for a while. The wing may eventually heal, though it may not if it really is shattered. Not sure. If it was just a simple break, binding the wing might help, but if it's shattered, it might not. As long as he's eating, if I were you I'd just watch him for a while, but I think I'd be inclined to keep him in close quarters, so he can rest the wing, not have to worry as much, and can eat well. Feed him well, whatever he likes, and you could try giving him some baby aspirin for pain. I think the dosage can be up to three baby aspirin per day, crushed up in a treat, or small amount of food. Do you have a rabbit cage or something to keep him in? Enough room for him to turn around in, and where he can still see and socialize with the others,
but not enough room to really flap his wings a whole lot or engage in a lot of activity. They do suffer pain of course so you will just
have to use your best judgement, but chickens are sometimes able to deal better than people. We have a couple of roosters who are missing parts of toes, one from scaly leg mites, the other I have no idea. Doesn't seem to bother them much. Keep your roo in close quarters for a few weeks and see how he does. If he declines, then yes, it might be kinder to cull him. Good luck.

 

[Petite]

Hi Chickn thanx for your reply, Im not 100% but think he damaged it fighting with another cockerel, also I think its shattered as can feel lots of little lumps which im guessing are bones at the area next to his body were he seems in discomfort. He is in a small run at the moment with 1 hen she seems to perk him up a little! I will get baby asprin today and keep an eye on him to see how he gets on. Thanx again. Petite