*UPDATE* Neighbor's chickens freezing

[geebs]

You asked... It is frostbite...do what you can to get circulation there... The black is dead tissue.... the white contains zero blood... When we freeze to death our bodies cut off circulation to the extremities to save us.. so he was in really rough shape... Just keep working on his... Get that core temp up...It can literally take days... You will know if it is working when it works....I would excersize his legs for him to encourage circulation... use massage as well. (probably sounds corny but it will help) Warm water to drink

 

[fancbrd4me02]

I'm glad you are trying to help him and that someone has shown this poor animal care and mercy. If he gets too bad off and gives up you will know. As long as he still wants to live I think you should continue to help him. Your neighbors failed this animal in so many ways, it is no wonder that he was mean.

 

[b.hromada]

Bless you for trying to save this poor boy!

We need more people out there like you.

 

[honeydoll]

As of this morning he is alive, so I am trying to save hime, with warm water and food. He has towait until after my oldest gets on teh bus so hopefully he hangs in there.

 

[I have WHAT in my yard?]

Honeydoll, you are to be commended for taking this poor guy in, but Wow! If he lives I would pop a hen in there with him and hatch those eggs!!!!

He must be so hardy and strong, who wouldn't want his babies?? Besides, you said it seemed like his suffering was to no end, maybe just passing on those genes would be purpose enough!

 

[honeydoll]

Ya, I've had this thought. I did put a hen in to keep him warm. Of course right now he can't breed but if he feels up to it I may let him. We'll have to see how it goes.

 

[dinahmoe]

thank you for caring about him!
when he recovers he will probably be one of your favorite chickens.
i would love to see pictures of the tough boy if you get a chance-before and after TLC.

 

[honeydoll]

I really want ot show photos. My hubby knows how to do this better than me. He still won't use legs at all. We'll see. If his legs are gone, well I'll have to cull him of course. But I want everyone to see the world's meanest rooster survive and maybe kinda like me now. He has quit pecking but of course he is very weak, we'll see when/if he makes it how his attitude is. Kind of funny how such a pesky roo who attacked me whenever a walked outside made me wish he'd go away

is now in my garage and I'm trying to save him. Ironic.

 

[hen-thusiast]

If his legs are gone, well I'll have to cull him of course.

Who knows, maybe he won't lose all of his feet/legs. We've got two rescues right now with severe frostbite. Looks like one will lose her entire foot. I've met many people here on BYC who have footless, or even partially legless chickens who have lived for years and have had relatively normal lives. What I've been learning is that their will to live helps them overcome their disability.

I'd say, take it one day at a time and don't think about the "what ifs", at least that's what we're trying to do.

It's always the meanest, most stubborn creatures that never give up and survive the longest. He sounds like quite a fighter. Good luck!​

 

[jaimslee4u]

Quote:
K - So This will sound wierd, but when my hen was having a problem with standing I had her inside in a dog crate but I did Hydro therapy. I filled up the bathtub with luke warm water(just enough so she couldn't reach the bottom, held her a bit as to not tip over, (funny thing is they do float nicley) and slowly moved her back and forth so she would move her legs. Silly I know, but it seemed to help her and she is back with her flock now.

Oh, I blowed dry her butt on low after so she didn't go back wet.

Obviously I would not do it if you are keeping him outside, but if he is in a warm environment it may help with the circulation.