Sick Factory meat bird ended up in our vegetarian home - help!

[heidibeidi]

Ugh, the whole situation is so grim I can't stand it! I was hoping she would be able to be mingle with our chickens someday, but I see now that would be a really bad decision. I am going to take it day by day I guess. The first thing I can do for her is give her a bath and clean her up, but I'm worried that all the excitement will be too much for her overworked heart . . .am I wrong? She's covered in poop.

I will call the vet in the morning and see about some antibiotics so she is at least more comfortable.

Thanks for all the advice, I really appreciate it.

 

[sweeterdeeter42]

Quote:
If you give her a nice warm bath and take it nice and slow, it might actually be soothing for her. I use baby shampoo on my birds sometimes, and they make soothing baby shampoo you could use to ease her anxiety a little bit too. They honestly are not very smart, which makes them very lovable when they are smaller, which makes the whole thing harder. But She might just sit there while you soak her. If you have a feed and supply store similar to what we have here, they actually sell powdered antibiotic for chickens that you put in their water. It is about $9.

 

[Rin]

Quote:
If you give her a nice warm bath and take it nice and slow, it might actually be soothing for her. I use baby shampoo on my birds sometimes, and they make soothing baby shampoo you could use to ease her anxiety a little bit too.

Yeah, it comes in a pale purple bottle and says something about lavender on it too if I recall - meant to help babies sleep.

To OP; if you're really dedicated you can pull it off - or at the very least give this chicken a warm, clean and safe place to pass away or live out the rest of what they've got to give. Just need to be careful not to effect your existing flock. Chickens don't get sick - they get viruses that spread like wild fire and carry for the rest of their lives. It's why so many people put their chickens down when it happens... it's not something that can be "cured" or work itself out. It's always there. Lurking. Infecting everyone around them.

I'd also avoid bringing any other chickens in your house and especially the change of clothes someone else mentioned - though that's a practice that should be followed in general especially if you go to a lot of farm swaps or feed stores or areas other chickens tend to pass through.

 

[chickengrl]

I have heard that some actually enjoy a nice warm bath and even the blow dry. I think it would be a very nice thing to do for her. So, undignified to be covered in poop. If she passes away, at least you have given her some comfort.

 

[ChickyLaura]

I recently had a hen with a prolapse and gave her several warm baths. I'm not sure how much she enjoyed the baths, but she did enjoy the "hair dry". It takes a long time to blow dry a hen!!!

 

[chickenlorena]

Meat birds can actually be rehabilitated. They might not live 15 years but they can regain health and vitality and live a few years of good life. The key is to keep them with a very strict feeding schedule (1/4 cup of feed twice a day). When I adopted a meat bird last year, I contacted Farm Sanctuary (www.FarmSanctuary.org) and they told me that. They have a great success in rehabilitating broilers. They also told me that if they have a hard time breathing that they need some medication (I forgot which one), but they will be able to tell you exactly what this fellow needs.

My family and I are also vegetarians and of course, animal lovers.

Let us know how this chicken is doing! I' glad he ended up in your place

 

[heidibeidi]

Wow, thanks for the link to the Farm Sanctuary! What a fantastic place, I wish it were closer! Is there a specific page on the website about caring for broilers? I didn't find a whole lot about the meat birds, lots about layers though. I would love to get more info like that . . . exactly what I need to fully understand "Billina".

 

[chickenX]

i was just gunna say what chickenlorena said!
yes, see if there are any of farm sanctuaries in your area. they would probably be thrilled to hook you up with info and perhaps medicine.
they might even volunteer to rehabilitate her and give her a forever home.

thank you so much for helping her. you have an awesome heart. i keep a vegan kitchen except for the eggs that my chickens produce. i really understand the impulse to help all animals - even a "lowly meat chicken." after all, she doesn't know she was born to be eaten, all she knows is that she wants to live - right?

keep us posted on her progress. you rock.

 

[featherz]

I also am 'almost vegan' except for my own eggs and I applaud your efforts!! That said, I would not hesitate to put down (I've done it once/sniff) an animal that is suffering and not fixable. I hope your chicken makes it through and a bath sounds like a good plan.

(and it is a great thing that the poor thing ended up with you to help her!)

 

[crossgirl]

Bless you for taking her in and showing her some kindness. She's probably never had a kind touch.