A few birds survived predator attack 😥

[Silkie Princess]

I noticed that my posts got shuffled. So sorry if something doesn't make sense

 

[MorningGlory16]

I'm sorry for your loss Did you figure out how the fox got into your coop/run in the first place? I would be very worried that he's going to come back for another easy meal and wipe out the rest of your flock.

 

[Swbertrand1]

No worries. If some of the birds are still showing signs of distress (shock), remove them from the rooster that is not fazed. The key to overcoming shock is TIME and QUIET. Give the birds that are still not themselves electrolytes if you can. It will help them to come around more quickly.

As for the droopy head, it could be injury or shock. Only time will tell.

If you still suspect the birds have injuries, look them over very carefully and very thoroughly. It's possible with a fox attack that some may have internal injuries too...

 

[Swbertrand1]

I'm sorry for your loss Did you figure out how the fox got into your coop/run in the first place? I would be very worried that he's going to come back for another easy meal and wipe out the rest of your flock.

Indeed. A security check MUST be performed or the rest of the birds may still be at risk in the same run/coop.

 

[Poultry mum]

Could it just be the shock? His head is drooping but he has no severe injuries

Give wrap him up in a towel and give him some avi-vite (liquid vitamins mixed with water) also keep him inside in a nice quiet space… being a silkie you may have to sit with him and reassure him everything is ok.. I’ve noticed that some silkies are very sooky and just want to hide and want cuddles… also try giving him some cat tuna it’s packed with protein and should help him feel a little be spoiled

 

[Silkie Princess]

No worries. If some of the birds are still showing signs of distress (shock), remove them from the rooster that is not fazed. The key to overcoming shock is TIME and QUIET. Give the birds that are still not themselves electrolytes if you can. It will help them to come around more quickly.

As for the droopy head, it could be injury or shock. Only time will tell.

If you still suspect the birds have injuries, look them over very carefully and very thoroughly. It's possible with a fox attack that some may have internal injuries too...

Teddy had the droopy head.. But he's good now

 

[Silkie Princess]

Indeed. A security check MUST be performed or the rest of the birds may still be at risk in the same run/coop.

Yes I did fix that but even so I feel better with them in the backyard

 

[Silkie Princess]

Give wrap him up in a towel and give him some avi-vite (liquid vitamins mixed with water) also keep him inside in a nice quiet space… being a silkie you may have to sit with him and reassure him everything is ok.. I’ve noticed that some silkies are very sooky and just want to hide and want cuddles… also try giving him some cat tuna it’s packed with protein and should help him feel a little be spoiled

I did not give him tuna but I will give it to all of them

 

[apryl29]

I'm so sorry for your losses. Don't be surprised if many of your laying hens lay an egg over the next day or so, but then don't lay for a long time, or have deformed eggs. I had a pullet who was killed by what we suspect was a coyote (didn't do a head count a closing time and she got left outside) and for the next few weeks those who were laying stopped or laid misshapen eggs that were missing the shell or had tails. They eventually recovered from the trauma but now I'm very careful about counting everyone and I always stay out w/ everyone.
Give your remaining birds a safe place and time to rest. I'm not familiar w/ predator behaviors, but I'd make sure to secure your coop if they were inside when the attack happened. You could post some pics if you need tips. I had chicken wire, but covered that w/ hardware cloth after I had some inquisitive raccoons pulling on the wire.

 

[Silkie Princess]

I'm so sorry for your losses. Don't be surprised if many of your laying hens lay an egg over the next day or so, but then don't lay for a long time, or have deformed eggs. I had a pullet who was killed by what we suspect was a coyote (didn't do a head count a closing time and she got left outside) and for the next few weeks those who were laying stopped or laid misshapen eggs that were missing the shell or had tails. They eventually recovered from the trauma but now I'm very careful about counting everyone and I always stay out w/ everyone.
Give your remaining birds a safe place and time to rest. I'm not familiar w/ predator behaviors, but I'd make sure to secure your coop if they were inside when the attack happened. You could post some pics if you need tips. I had chicken wire, but covered that w/ hardware cloth after I had some inquisitive raccoons pulling on the wire.

Yes they lay extra large eggsl! We will put more chicken wire on the sides and once we fence in the future free ranging area we will put electric fence around it. (is that how you call it?)