Dogs got my chickens, while ranging, now the survivors aren't eating

bmetcalf

Chirping
Dec 7, 2016
13
3
54
Never had a problem with my dog, until two dogs from neighbors came over. The three dogs killed 7 of my 25. Most of the survivors are missing feathers, one has an injured leg, but she more mobile, everyday. My problem is, the flock, as a whole, aren't eating. I feed them a little, when I go to work at 7 am, and a little before they get shut up at night. Three days, post attack, and the uneaten feed is stacking up. I know a few are eating, but as a whole, they are not eating. Is this normal?
 
They survivors are severely traumatized. Some may have been in shock. They saw what happened to their flock mates and won't do better till they start feeling more secure. That is not normal daily behavior either. Maybe you need to spend some time with them - keeping them in the coop till they are doing better. You can start them eating by offering something different that may be hard to resists - since they have to be very hungry. You can try scrambled eggs, warmed oatmeal with maybe raisins mixed in. Plain yogurt, black sunflower seeds, etc. Once they start eating they will probably continue and can go back to their regular feed.

They will feel better if you spend some time with them in the coop, talking to them, maybe feeding by hand to get them going. You can play a radio so they don't feel so alone. If these were attacked free ranging. You will need to re-think that. The dogs will be back and yours will probably join in again. You need a secure predator proof run with top. And for now I would suggest something solid around the lower sides, so they don't see dogs and hopefully don't get frightened again. It would be great if you could run a few strands of electric fencing around the perimeter to ensure the dogs find it very unpleasant to approach the run.

Please also check out the predator threads for more information and suggestions.
 
Hi and welcome to BYC - you have some great advice already so I'll just say hello and wish you all the best with your flock.

All the best
CT
 
They have a run that is hog panel for the first 4 feet, and the coup is tin with old timber and old farm implements piled around to keep predators from digging in. I already decided to chicken wire the back yard, because I know they are happier when they can range around. I made them a mash of oatmeal, milk, and eggs. It has just piled up for the last 3 days. I put a trough inside the coup, thinking they may feel more secure eating within the coup, but they show no interest. I guess they will need time. The sad part is, the day of the attack, was the most productive day of laying I have had.
 
One more question. My coup lights run on a timer, but I have been leaving the light on all night, since the attack. Is this change going to help or hurt?

Thanks for all the advice. I've been around chickens, my entire life, but this is my first time having my own. No grandparents to do all the worrying over these;)
 
Petey, my lab\shepard dog, always tends the chickens with me. The chickens and he, never even looked twice at one another. He went in, when I gathered eggs or fed, and he, and the girls, always followed me around the yard, like a bunch of extra shadows. I guess the pack mentality got the better of Petey. Is was heart breaking to see him be a part of that. He is just a dog after all. Shouldn't be shocked. He was here, way before them, and fully grown, and never around chickens. Naivety, proceeds folly.
 
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Sorry for the loss of your birds, that's always hard to deal with and the fact that Petey participated must be difficult.

I'd encourage you to re-think using chicken wire in any of your security efforts. Chicken wire is not strong enough to keep anything away from the birds and will not protect them.

Good luck to you.
 
NFC, I agree. Bottom 4 feet is hog panel, with chicken wire over it. The chicken wire is mainly to keep the smaller hens from squeezing through the panels.
 
NFC, I agree. Bottom 4 feet is hog panel, with chicken wire over it. The chicken wire is mainly to keep the smaller hens from squeezing through the panels.

Ok, I have a better picture of it now.

Hope things go better for you from on out.
 

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