Bear attack

[Thechickentrainer1999]

Last weekend a bear broke the door to my chicken coop and killed all of my chickens except 2. I fortified the coop and the bear wasn't able to get back in when he tried again the next night. But early this morning he tried to break in again and when I went out to check my chickens one of them was limping. I think she hurt herself because she was scared. She is limping on her left leg, I felt the leg and I don't feel any breaks. So I think she pulled a muscle or something. There are no vets in my area that see chickens. Does anyone have any advise as to what I should do to help her?

Last weekend a bear broke the door to my chicken coop and killed all of my chickens except 2. I fortified the coop and the bear wasn't able to get back in when he tried again the next night. But early this morning he tried to break in again and when I went out to check my chickens one of them was limping. I think she hurt herself because she was scared. She is limping on her left leg, I felt the leg and I don't feel any breaks. So I think she pulled a muscle or something. There are no vets in my area that see chickens. Does anyone have any advise as to what I should do to help her?

How strong was your coop. I would just like to know so I know how strong to make mine.

 

[lazy gardener]

If a bear wants in, he will get in. Electric fencing is recommended in bear country.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

I’m so sorry for the loss of your chickens! I can’t imagine the fear and rage you are experiencing. Once all attractants are removed, hopefully the bear will give up and move on..... even if it doesn’t appear for a few day, I would continue to keep your 2 hens in a secure indoor setup.
Good luck!

 

[MissChick@dee]

Awh Hell.....just shoot the damn bear!! I don’t care iffin you’re sitting in a lawn chair in your underwear.

 

[MissChick@dee]

Sorry for your loss truly

 

[Ursuline Chick]

With regard to your chicken with the limp, We had the same situation about a year ago. Put the hen in a "hospital" pen with food and water and a little room to move around, while still being able to see her flock mates. After a couple of weeks she started to make crying noises in the morning when she was fed, so we let her out. She still limped a small bit, but ended up being just fine in the end. This would be my recommendation (IMHO) Also very sorry for your loss. IMHO Do what you feel is best for you and your flock with regard to the bear.

 

[jvls1942]

I am not going to tell you what to do.
but if it were me, I would have the proper rifle to do the job.
a wounded bear is nothing to have running around the neighborhood.
let him have the last two chickens and he will leave and go on the the next easy pickings.
if you live in town, you cannot legally shoot any animal..so be ready to take the consiquenses ..

 

[Killer Tomato]

Awh Hell.....just shoot the damn bear!! I don’t care iffin you’re sitting in a lawn chair in your underwear.

Ha ha! MissChick@dee for the win!

 

[jvls1942]

, sorry for the circumstances. Most likely a bruise or strain if it does not appear to be broken, and time will heal. The bear is the real problem as it will return. A hot wire draped with bacon can educate even the most determined bear.

at the very least, he will never eat bacon again..

 

[chicken_lovers]

Maybe gently wrap that leg with some of that stretchy vet wrap tape, or just watch and wait, and make sure she doesn't have to walk too much to get her basic necessities?

I think I'd have my two surviving hens sleeping in a cat carrier, inside, in the bathroom, or something, just to remove the Bear Buffet. All garbage sources would be locked away, as would compost bins, etc....

I'd also be *safely* standing guard in a lawn chair with some sort of "deterrents" (whatever you are comfortable having, and whatever is legal for your neighborhood). A quick getaway strategy into the house/garage is a must! Make your yard and coop as distasteful and unfriendly as possible now. Let the bear know it was a One-Time-Only thing, not the Sunday Senior Special at the Casino!

I'm so sorry for the loss of your flock. Good luck!

Thank you for the advise. Where my chickens are there are no other sources that would attract a bear. My garbage cans are on the side of my house and my chicken coop is in the back part of my property about 300 yards from my house and I don't compost because I live in the Ocala Forest and that would attract too many critters to my yard. I think the problem is that the bear is an adolescent bear and he is very hungry. 3 days ago I was out feeding my chickens and as I was locking up the coop I turned and the bear was standing about 8 feet away from me. My husband was, luckily, home and saw what was going on and he let my two dogs out and they chased him away. Then yesterday he did the same thing but wasn't so close and I managed to make it to my back door and let my girls out and they chased him away again.

I'm going to call the ranger station today and see what they say would be the best thing to do. But I will go to the feed store and get some wrap and see if that helps her.

Again, thank you so much for your advise.