Rural Gardening: Red Rosie, the Rescued Chicken, 1 by DrDoolotz

DrDoolotz wrote:
Ok, I know, I have a bunch of chickens already. I told you I need a 12-step program for chickens, and until I find one, this is what happens...

I was surfing the local animal shelter today (I used to volunteer there and I like to check up on what's new). I happened into the "Barnyard Buddies" section, and darn it, there was a chicken. There was also a rooster. The local shelter is the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (www.arl-iowa.org) but don't go there if you want a chicken - only if you want a rooster. Why? Because I could not leave without the chicken. She is my rescue.

Poor, dear, sweet Rosie was debeaked at some point. She is a sad little creature. Her comb and wattles are very faded. She is incredibly skinny and scraggly looking. She sticks her tongue out all the time. She is very easy to hold and sweet natured. She is molting (I think). She was picked up downtown in a bad part of town with the rooster, as a stray. She wasn't claimed and was named "Chic" but I re-named her Red Rosie.

I thought she was an RIR, but now I'm not sure. Any guesses? Why would anybody so brutally debeak this chicken? It's horrible! She has a permanent little hole in the middle of her beak. She looks like she's whistling. She had lice when found and has been treated. I am quarantining her for now, of course, but hope she can cope in the normal "pecking order" since she cannot peck.

I would love to hear guesses on her breed, advice for rescued chickens, advice on the quarantine thing (30 days?), advice on introducing her to the flock, and any other advice on getting her back up to health. Right now I have her on chick crumbles and dandelions. Should I give electrolytes in the water?

Many thanks, from me and from Red Rosie. I do love her so much already.
Claire