My rooster is not eating. HELP!

[pshoop]

My rooster got attacked 3 days ago by a weiner dog and has not fully recovered and I am worried. The first couple of days he just stood around and looked sleepy. He even had drool coming down from his beak. I finally picked him up yesterday and brought him in the house, but he's not eating. He still stands or lays down and looks very tired in the kennel, and does drink a little, but has not eaten anything. Is this normal for a rooster to not eat after having such trauma? He doesn't have any wounds, he has a bit of dried blood around his head but that's it. I have heard that it's normal if they don't eat for a few days after being injured, but I am worried. ANy thoughts or experiences shared would be extremely helpful! Thanks

[Beesting]

It doesn't sound good. They can most certainly die of the shock, which it sounds like he is in. It is imperative that you get him eating and drinking a soon as possible. Do a search on this search engine for treatment for shock and pick-me-up remedies. You may have to syringe feed him initially.
When my little hen was in shock, i mixed up some honey in warm water and dropped the sticky liquid onto her beak, forcing her to lick it and taste it.
Try warm weetabix, scrambled egg, Crazy chick can you help here please?

Now that you have him inside give him a good physical examination, that blood on his head must have come from somewhere.


goo luck
jo

[crazychick]

I totally agree with Beesting that your rooster is in shock. See if you can get some metacam from your vet. Metacam is an excellent anti-inflammatory (pain killing) drug that also treats shock. GIve at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg, once per day, orally. Normally, for pain, I suggest aspirin if you're not able to get metacam, but because aspirin is a blood thinner, it can make possible internal injuries worse. Your roo may have internal injuries (crush injuries) that you cannot see. Because the digestive system slows or stops when an animal is in shock, at this point I would give him sub-cutaneous fluids and no food just yet. Here's what to do:

Get some STERILE 12 cc syringes (if you can't find 12, any size will do at this point) and some STERILE 22-25 gauge needles. The smaller the better. You will also need some STERILE saline solution. Don't get the contact lens solution that has cleaners in it for your contacts - just PLAIN SALINE. As an alternative, you can get some Lactated Ringers solution from your vet (sterile) and pick up the syringes and needles while you're there. YOu'll also need some isopropyl alcohol. Get someone to hold your roo and find the spot where his wing meets his body. THere's a little area there that is like a "pouch" that is perfect for filling with fluid. I need to get a photo - I'll see if I can remember to do that later. It doesn't really matter where you give the fluid- you can also give it in the loose skin at the back of his neck. ANyway, rub the area with the Is. alcohol to sterilize it, then insert the needle JUST under the skin (not into bone, tendon, ligament or muscle) and give 5-10 cc of the sterile saline or L.R. solution. You'll make a large blister under the skin, but don't worry, it will dissipate within an hour or two. Pull the needle out gently to avoid tearing the skin (and letting all the fluid out). Repeat on the other side of his body (or, if you're giving it at the back of his neck, give him 2 blisters of fluid). Repeat this 3-4 times per day and keep your roo warm in the meantime. PIck him up and handle him as LITTLE as possible (you can even try giving the fluid to him while he sits on the floor). Usually some fluids perk them up and they will start eating on their own.

I'm also worried about infection from the attack. YOu may wish to ask your vet for some baytril (10 mg/kg, twice a day, orally or IM) to combat any brewing infections.

Good luck with him,

Laura

[LuvMyChickens]

I'd keep him warm, really warm. Use a heat lamp.
Place water close by, Pedialyte in the water or straight is good to use.
Place wet crumbles (whatever you feed) and treats within reach.
Personally, I would go ahead and throw an asprin on board. Yes, he could have internal injuries but if he does he will likely perish anyway so pain management even if it hastens the inevitable is good.
And give him a few hours.

If he perks up after the asprin kick in, it's likely pain that has him so down.

I had a hen attacked by a coyote once. She had no punctures either but he broke her leg and sent her deep into shock. I did the above and she is still alive today.

Good luck.