1st attack - hens shook up, what to do

[calicokat]

ok, had our first predator attack - a stray dog and MY dog chased the girls as I was out free ranging them tonight. It happened about 1 hour ago.

Finally rounded up all five and don't see any visible wounds, bleeding, etc.

4 just got chased. lost a few feathers, and scared like crazy - but one was picked up by the neck by my dog. I finally found her hunkered down in some shrubs, sitting still. She let me pick her up - which is unusual. I got her back to the coop and she had some water, but she is still panting, maybe in shock? Murphy's law - of course she is the one who lost the rest of her flock mates to a coon attack 4 or 5 months ago. She was rehomed to us after that.

It's past their bedtime, and all five are on the roost right now, but Lilian is still panting and that worries me some. Is there something I should be doing? Looking for? etc.?

Thanks for the help!
~kat

 

[Buugette]

I don't know what others would do, but I would be bringing her in with me... hold her for a while... make sure she is okay and starts breathing more normally. Offer her a treat after a while...

 

[calicokat]

She normally never lets me near her, you don't think holding her would agetate her more?

On the up side, I have blueberries in the fridge - their favorite treat!

 

[vnploveschickens]

I would make sure that they are locked up tight and its as quiet as you can make it. Leave them be until the morning and check on them early.

Make sure they have enough water in their coop. If you have any Rescue Remedy, you could a few drops in their water. I've read that it helps with stress.

They've had a big scare. They need some time to settle down.
Maybe you could quietly check on them in an hour or so.

Good luck!

 

[Buugette]

If she is not a lap hen... then it might upset her more. What about bringing her in to keep an eye on her. Make a comfy bed for her in a quiet room... keep water, food and a nice little treat nearby. I wouldn't be able to leave her outside tll I knew she was okay.

My bantam are lap chickens... they seem to calm when they are around the family. They also love blueberries...

Hope she is okay. Poor thing having to go through such a shock twice.

Diana

 

[jvls1942]

If she was picked up by the neck by a dog, her wind pipe might be crushed or bruised a little.. there is little or nothing you can do..

the rest of them are fine.. the danger is past and they are over it

they do not go into long term shock.. you might, they don't..

your chicken will relax more amongst the other chickens than if you hold it..

 

[detali]

If she is eating and drinking by morning, she should be fine.

 

[calicokat]

THank you all for the ideas and calm thinking

All 5 girls are all tucked in the coop for the night and I'll see how they are in the AM. I think you are right, a good night's rest will help us all.

 

[vnploveschickens]

Calicokat,

Just wondering how are all your chickens? Please let us know.

Val

 

[jjthink]

Do you know where the stray dog is now? If he wasn't caught, he will be back to cause more trouble. Your dog may well also now be trouble.

The injured bird was/is? in shock - electrolytes help with that. Rescue Remedy - a couple drops in everyone's water may help with stress.

Assuming she was alive this morning

, and calmer, very close/ careful exam is in order (if this really stresses her, then do late at night and make sure she has Rescue Remedy in water for hours beforehand).

Let us know your findings.

I hope she is doing okay.
JJ