Randysflock119
In the Brooder
- Apr 24, 2024
- 9
- 13
- 21
Hi all, I’ve had backyard chickens for 3 years and had my third hawk attack last night. Lost one of my 8 hens. When I found my rooster, he was tangled up in the fence and appeared to be dead. I realized he was breathing but called a neighbor to come put him out of his misery. But when my neighbor untangled him from the fence, he called out and ran away - turns out the poor boy has no visible injuries other than both eyes being pecked-scratched out. He is completely unable to see. Brought him in the warm garage and got him cozy. He drank some water last night and was able to move his head. I tried to clean his head with saline but he was very stressed by that so I stopped to give him some rest. Today he’s standing and moving around his enclosure a little bit. Hasn’t eaten much but he is responsive and breathing well. He has pooped in there too. I’m taking him to the vet tomorrow to see if anything can be done or if euthanasia is the best option. I have seen others on here would have rehabbed / raised blind chickens. My thinking is if he still appears to be fighting and wanting to figure out how to live as a blind rooster, maybe it’s worth it. For the record, I consider my chickens as pets (layers only) and I am pretty bonded with this rooster. He’s the only rooster, 8 (now 7) hens. Any feedback? Has anyone raised a blind chicken before or dealt with something similar? Or, when did you know it was time to put your chicken to sleep? Thank you!