Just came back from Bren's farm last night, it's a long 5 hours drive(one way) but worth every mile.
Each time I visit her farm, it's like visiting chicken heaven, awesome looking silkies every where, they all have huge fluff, all looking healthy and happy, I too can't resist the temptation, those lavenders are just gorgeous, I had to purchase some and take them home myself too.
The roo she gave me to replace yours is just as handsome - see photo 1 & 2, I will take good care of him. As soon as he comes to breeding I will send you eggs. He have 4 young pullet see photo 3 (I had to have them, they are soooo beautiful) with him in a spacey pen. The pullet should be laying in about one month, so Susan, get ready next month, I am very excited, the eggs come from them should breed 100% lavenders.
The hard truth with shipped birds or eggs, is that we just don't know what happen during shipping. They could been through some rough handling. Another thing, like us humans, some can withstand the high air pressure on the plane and some can't. The high altitude pressure can also turn a small sinus problem into a world of pain, if anyone has flown with a cold or sinus problem, you know what I'm talking about.
I really admire and respect all you have done to try to help the poor roo Susan, like emvickray said, a lots of folk would have put down the poor roo by now to end his suffering. I hope this poor roo can make it. Good luck in your efforts.