BackYardChickens Forum

yes, I've seen it!

I (stupidly) tried to introduce a bossy campine pullet to a single ISA Brown hen in a tractor, a few years ago. The campine bit the sexlink HARD on the wattles, several times, hung on real tight looking smug, and then the sexlink proceeded to try to KILL her. I intervened as soon as possible, but not before the sexlink had the campine laid out on her back on the ground, apparently dead. The campine was totally limp, and her legs and neck would wibble very "dead-ish-ly" every time the sexlink would peck or shove her. Seriously, I was totally sure the campine was finis.

I retrieved the campine, and in a few moments she revived.

I do not know whether it was involuntary fainting or having the wind knocked out of her -- that was a SERIOUS clock-cleaning she was gettin' -- or whether it was a desperation attempt to get the attacker to desist. But, it sounds like the same thing you saw with the dog attack. So, yes, it happens.

Hope your other hens are ok,

Pat

Here's my perspective as a person who knows something about the effects of trauma on emergency responders:  All animals (ourselves included) have three modes of reaction to a traumatic event: fight, flight or freeze.  We tend to forget about the third one because we always talk about the "fight/flight" response but freezing occurs just as frequently.  When you can't fight and can't run, sometimes you just ... check out.

I panic when being chased, and freeze as well... usually covering my face, totally panicked.  my kids think it's hilarious, and love to growl and chase me... rotten kids.. So yes, I imagine that chickens would do it too... just praying for it to be over.