I dubbed my rooster today *Pictures included (there's a bit of blood)*

[Catmoose1347]

Well, it's not really an emergency or a disease, but this would count as an injury, correct? I never want to do anything like that EVER AGAIN. I mean, it was necessary. He had gotten into a fight and injured his waddles. The ever lovely and considerate hens discovered that he had these delicious meat slices hanging from his face and, well, you know...

I had him separated from the rest of the flock so he could heal up, but the moment he went back in with them, his face was a bloody mess again.

The poor mangled waddles were causing considerable pain, so I figured removing them all at once was preferable to them getting slowly eaten off.

I think I did okay, considering it was my first time, I was all alone, and shaking/crying/freaking out. I kind of messed up on the right side and I'm pretty sure I cut more off one side than the other.

Also, any advice on how I can make them look better without taking sissors and chopping him up again would be greatly appreciated (if there aren't, then oh well. I still love him anyway.) Now I'm going to go away and get the smell of chicken blood off of me.




HOW on EARTH do people do this by choice?!!

 

[Eggcessive]

Just keep him separated until they are fully healed. He could be near the flock for company in a cage with food and water. Many roosters lose parts of wattles and comb tips with frostbite, and when it heals, it looks fine. I would use some betadine on the wattles to help prevent infection.

 

[Catmoose1347]

Thanks, Eggcessive. He is in a chicken tractor next to the run all by himself. I used rubbing alcohol on the area before the procedure, but alcohol/iodine/betadine on open wounds tends to slow healing. I'll be checking him everyday to make sure he's healing okay, and if not I'll probably use iodine because it stings a little less than alcohol and would also make it less appealing to the other chickens to peck.

What are some topical painkillers I could use in the future. This time, I used lots of ice, but is there a better solution?

 

[dawg53]

Use neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment.

 

[Eggcessive]

I wouldn't use an antibiotic ointment that contains a painkiller. Neosporin (plain) is fine, but some of the pain relievers containing benzocaine, lidocaine, and pramoxine and others may be toxic to poultry especially in higher quantities. Iodine would help dry it up and keep infection down, but antibiotic ointment is fine, but just picks up dirt particles. A dermatologist friend of mine swears by A&D ointment, and uses it on all of his surgical scars for healing.

 

[Catmoose1347]

It's easier to see now that the blood has dried. He's acting normal and seems to be doing okay. The top of the waddles were attached to his throat and he's got all these extra folds of skin, so it's neither neat nor attractive, but at least he can eat much better now.

 

[gruffy]

if you have to cut part of a comb or wattle off its best to kill the pain with ice. anything ending in caine is toxic to birds so ice is the best method and reduces blood flow. Small amounts of baby aspirin can be used but it's not as effective and may make it bleed more. Ice eventually numbs the area to the point where they don't feel any pain from it. Saw a few discussions where ice was used as a last resort on birds that needed amputations as soon as possible.
I have thought it may be better for the birds to live their lives without the combs or wattles especially the big floppy ones that get in the way. our big rooster can't even see his food because his wattles are so big and floppy they constantly get in the way of whatever he is trying to eat and they always drag on the ground. Our hen has a big floppy comb that flaps around like a wet noodle it is hilarious but she's constantly getting it cut or scraped and freaks out and bleeds all over her face, on top of this it's covering her eyes and the ends turn purple(probably not good). I have thought on many occasions it may be better for them to take off the combs and wattles, they're not necessary but I couldn't do it unless it had to be done. I'm fortunate so far they haven't gotten too badly injured. So bravo to you! you have great courage!

 

[Catmoose1347]

Thanks, gruffy.

This guy had been having trouble eating for quite some time. The injuries were the "final straw." He seems to be doing better now. Healing up and everything.

 

[spruett386]

It's easier to see now that the blood has dried. He's acting normal and seems to be doing okay. The top of the waddles were attached to his throat and he's got all these extra folds of skin, so it's neither neat nor attractive, but at least he can eat much better now.

Bless his (and your) heart