Behavior

[ntankovich]

So about a week ago my chickems were attacked by what I think was a raccoon. One of them did not make it and one I am treating for injuries. We decided to bring them into my house and put them into a dog cage until we can figure out what's wrong with the coop and secure the issues. We've been taking them out to get fresh air and walk around. There is one that refuses to leave the back porch and just sits by the back door until we bring her back inside. The others hang around the area near the door and don't explore the yard like they used to. Is this something they might get better about or are my chickens so scared that they might never enjoy the outdoors again? I might be naive by saying this but I really didn't think this would spook them for this long!

 

[Judy]

Chickens will go into a sort of shock, sometimes for quite a while, after something like that. In time, they will go back to being normal chickens, though. I'd say usually it's a few days to a week but it can certainly take longer. I do think that the sooner you can move them back into their coop and run, the better, though. They can get attached to being house chickens.

 

[ntankovich]

Thanks! I'm definitely not up for house chickens but I have to make sure it's secure enough that I'll actually sleep at night when I puf them out. It's kind of traumatic!

 

[TheTwoRoos]

They might go back to normal.First few attacks that my chickens had they would all freak and wouldnt come out.Now they just scream hide then go back to what they were doinh....