Chick just got taken by another hen - what are the chances she'll survive?

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HarrisonCreek

HarrisonCreek

Chirping
5 Years
Sep 14, 2014
90
7
89
I have mama and the 3 day old chicks close up in a biggish coop. I let mama out to poop and based on what others have said I was too trusting of the others and let one into the coop. Well, my big Light Sussex just tried to eat the little LS. I love that chick. the only LS of the brood and so curious and strong.

She carried the chick out of the coop before Mama and I got her back.

She drew blood on the neck - the chick was able to walk and stand and poop and is now falling asleep in the coop with the others.

My daughters will be devastated if she dies. I was too trusting of the other hens. What are the chances the chick will survive?

Should I take the chick out and put neosporin or anything on the wound?
 
Sometimes we beat ourselves up way too much when it comes to failing a lesson along the long learning curve of chicken raising. Now you know not to trust the other hens. Time to accept the lesson and move on.

The chick will probably be fine if it's made it through its ordeal and is still functioning normally.

Examining the wound is a prudent idea. If it's merely a superficial nick, I'd leave it be. If it's an open wound, it will require cleaning and antibiotic ointment until it closes up and heals or you will soon see infection and the chick could die.

Take it one step at a time. Inspect the wound. Clean and treat if necessary. Trust the chick will survive with proper care.

Then be set to deal with the next crisis because keeping chickens guarantees you will have one every now and then to keep you on your toes.
 
Thanks for your kind and encouraging words. Your advice supports my instincts. She is standing, and falling asleep. Bit less awake than the others. I'll have a closer look at her before she disappears under mama when it gets cooler (really hot today) Thanks again.
 
I'm sorry you had a bad experience. Baby chicks do need Momma there to watch over them, it likely would not have happened if she'd been there. You can try again in a few days, letting momma and the entire brood out with the older ladies.
 
Thank goodness she seems to be fine!

The fateful moment:

And the solution:
Separate coop and run.
 
So mama was not protecting the chicks?
If she will protect them, best to let her integrate them into the flock.
If she won't protect them, probably don't let her brood again.
 
Last edited:
She did try. I've now had to separate them *and* reinforce the chick run because someone (cat or hen?) broke into my makeshift run during the day and took the little blighter again. I wasn't home, so she's gone now.
hit.gif
 
HarrisonCreek said:
She did try. I've now had to separate them *and* reinforce the chick run because someone (cat or hen?) broke into my makeshift run during the day and took the little blighter again. I wasn't home, so she's gone now.
:hit
Click to expand...

I'm so sorry for your loss! I know just how it feels :(
 

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