update p3- Wilbur is surviving - but very lethargic

[McGoo]

My little pullet died in the night. So she is at rest. The roo, Wilbur, is still alive, but he is refusing to eat or drink. I have provided mealy worms to entice him, but nothing seems to help. I brought him inside and then back outside and sat him on my lap and talked and tried to soothe him. I can't imagine the trauma for him...given my own and I wasn't there and helpless.

So I continue to visit him and talk with him. I've added sugar and electrolytes to his fresh water and he's got a tray of mealy worms and tomatoes (his favorite) about 4 inches from where he is sitting. I continue to hope that he will survive. He is a wonderful rooster...gentle around people and with the gals.

Hope time will heal.

 

[dlhunicorn]

He is in shock... just keeping him hydrated will be a major achievement... dont worry about the feed for now... keep dribbling the electrolyte water along his beak (make sure you have the correct dosage of the electrolyte in the water... do not add sugar nor anything else to it).
As to your other bird there is always the possibility that she had internal injuries which you were not aware of... (((hugs)))
If it were me perhaps bring him in... put on porch if he is not responding well in the coop? (my surviving birds after a dog attack in their coop would not go anywere near it and I ended up breaking it down and building them another in a different location)

 

[McGoo]

Quote:
Thanks so much. I'll stop attempting to give him the sugar water and stick with the electrolytes. I think it is one tsp to a gallon of water. I looked up the measurements since the package doesn't have it.

On the good side - he pooped and he made a couple of noises.
Do you think that getting a couple of pullets now is a good idea? I'm thinking that it would be distracting...but not until he's a little farther out of the woods.
Also, I've got an appt for the vet tomorrow afternoon. Maybe she will have an idea or she can hydrate him. I don't want him to have any more trauma.... this is very difficult.

 

[astylishgirl]

OH no. I am so sorry.

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

oh geez... sorry about the female. i have to say that i was pulling for her.. but you are right she is at rest.

keep us up to date on the rooster - it will probably take him a couple of days to get his feet under him.

keep your chin up

 

[PunkinPeep]

First, i'm so sorry for your loss. I lost 3 of my six chickens to raccoons just last week. Don't forget to give yourself a little time to recover emotionally too.

I agree with what dlunicorn said about putting him in a new place. With mine, the three who were left were terrified of going back to the pen where they were originally attacked. I made them a temporary shelter in a different - and better lit- part of the yard, and they are doing very well now. But for the first couple of days, they were afraid of everything....even more than normal chicken stuff.

I'm rooting for Wilbur.

Blessings.

Beth

 

[McGoo]

Thanks all.

I do hope he makes it.

 

[ClairedeLune]

Crossing my fingers for your roo!

 

[McGoo]

Wilbur ate some food late this afternoon!!!!

I bothered him all day with drips of water and I coddled him a lot. So later today I brought him back to the pen and he ate from his usual dishes of food. I hope he continues to eat.

And he went up to the roost tonight.

thanks all.

 

[vnploveschickens]

Hey that is great news! I am very happy for you and Wilbur.
You are doing all the right things for him. Take care.

I'm sorry you lost your girl.

Val