Bantam Rooster attacked by unknown bird (grey) need advice

[CityGirl22]

Yesterday my husband came out and he saw a grey large bird over our rooster, Elvis. I picked him up thinking he was dead, he is alive! He is just laying around. Kept him in, this morning it was so sad, he tried to do a little crow. So I know he has life in him. I tried setting him on his legs, and one just seems to collapse. Think he must have something broken, but I can't feel anything. He is laying on his back now, one leg seems useless. I am feeding him water, he won't eat yet. there was no blood either. I hate to put him down, don't even know how to, don't want to shoot. He is about 3-1/2 months old. thanks for any help!

 

[StephieSky]

Raptors hit hard. Most of the time the prey bird is dead on impact from the sheer force of the initial blow. They also have talons that create deep puncture wounds when they strike. If you don't find punture wounds it was most likely a young raptor who has yet to perfect his technique. I see this all the time this time of the year living next to a preserve that actively promotes habitat for water fowl and raptors.

Your roo most likely has internal injuries or serious bruising. It sounds like his leg is broken or badly bruised too. Check for puncture wounds and treat them with a antiseptic wash and antibacterial ointment. They don't always bleed.
Brace the leg with a splint on either side wrapped in a flexible bandage, not too tightly. Make sure the leg aligns properly and watch for swelling. You don't want the splint to turn into a tourniquet.

He needs to be kept someplace he feels protected. Stress kills.

Give his system a little help in fighting back by providing vitamin and electrolyte fortified water. He needs water and a source of energy he can convert readily more than food. If he hasn't eaten in a few days then it becomes a problem. You might try hard boiled egg, plain yogurt, electrolyte & water solution in a blender that is the consistancy of thin gruel. I'd feed him anything he'll eat and try everything to tempt his appetite until he's back on his feet. But remember a bird in pain or shock isn't likely to have an appetite.

I hope he makes it! Poor little guy It sounds like he was hit by a juvenile goshawk.

 

[CityGirl22]

thank you for the advice..going to try to let him rest and will do what you say about feeding. going to give him some time in case he can recover. I was going to set him outside to lay, but after you said give him the feeling of being safe, I'd better not. Will have to look up raptors, never heard of them, but probably don't have them in Atlanta where I came from.

 

[StephieSky]

A raptor is a bird of prey. Owls, hawks, eagles and many more. It means "Taken by force" which defines their hunting style. They are the top of the food chain and often mortal enemies with other raptors due to territory and food competition. In the wild they live fast and hard with only the fittest surviving to an appreciable age.

Its a really good idea to keep your roo indoors for a few days at least For a bird that survived a raptor attack its the equivalent of a small child actually finding a monster in their closet. He'll be stressing over his physical inability to flee in defense and the potential of another assault for the next few days. Once he's back up and getting around he might still have some paranoid behaviour for a while. Once he's up and around again he'll make a great raptor alarm! Chickens that have their instincts reinforced by experience don't forget a lesson learned the hard way if they survive it.

Please let me know how he's doing. He's obviously one tough little roo with a strong will to survive.