!BOBCAT ATTACK!

[Fluffbutts84]

Poor thing! How did the bobcat get to her?

The timing was crazy honestly. I let the chickens out for a couple hours to free range when I get home from work. I was inside rinsing eggs and when there is a cracked one I throw it to the chickens. Well I walked outside to throw them an egg and at that very moment right in front of me in the driveway, the bobcat pounced on her and I screamed and it ran off and she ran to the coop. Feathers everywhere! I thought for sure she got off lucky. Our favorite hen too. Now she's just not doing too well and sleeping in the spare room in a brooder. I don't think she has much longer. I have injectable tylan 50 with no needles to give it to her! I have to wait until the morning to see if my vet will help me out if she makes it through the night. It happened Tuesday evening so I hope I haven't waited too long. Hoping for the best....

 

[Folly's place]

So sorry! I think hens have a harder time recovering from wounds than roosters, maybe because they have more potential for internal injuries. It's also a very short list of antibiotics appropriate to treat a hen, because everything ends up in her eggs for a very long time.
I do hope she can recover, but this doesn't sound good right now.
Mary

 

[Ursuline Chick]

Thoughts and prayers your way

 

[Willowspirit]

So sad! But at least maybe the Bobcat will think twice! Do you know any people who are diabetic? They might be able to provide you a syringe.

 

[Fluffbutts84]

So sad! But at least maybe the Bobcat will think twice! Do you know any people who are diabetic? They might be able to provide you a syringe.

Yes, but no one close by. Hope she can hold on so I can try antibiotic injection tomm for her once I can get some from my vet.

 

[Fluffbutts84]

I just want to make sure it's okay to give Tylan 50 for this type of situation. Going to go get the syringes at a local feed store. Will this even help? I know it's mostly for respiratory. Any other recommendations?

 

[Folly's place]

Tylan wouldn't be my first choice at all. Check with your veterinarian, and realize that any effective antibiotic wii make he eggs 'officially' off the table forever...
Mary

 

[schradersl]

Unfortunately cats have a lot of latent bacteria on their claws and in their mouth that are very deadly to prey animals they attack. I would just keep an eye on her, maybe feed her some yogurt with chopped thyme and oregano in it to strengthen her immune system, and some scrambled eggs.

I would also put Neosporin (no pain meds added) on the laceration, to ward off infection.

Vetracin spray available at Tractor supply. Accelerates healing on any animal. Lost 3 great layers to a bobcat, actually climbed up a tree over a 6' fence and over the electric wires I have to keep canines away - stole 3 until I figured it out. My coops are predator proof when the door is shut, but wasn't closing the door at night.

 

[schradersl]

Is there any kind of antibiotic I can get her at a tractor supply?

Vetricine spray will take care of that.

 

[Sea Wolf]

Keep her in a small area and dim the lights. Electrolytes in the water. Cats have hooked claws that make deep punctures and their claws are covered in bacteria. Many animals hooked by a cat do die later because of this. See if a vet will take a look if you want to spend the money for that. Tylan probably won't help much. Putting a little neosporin on the wounds will help to keep them open and let them drain. You don't want to seal them. If you still have her in three days she might well completely recover.

The bobcat will be back. Consider getting a large live trap and set it out. Do not set it free someplace else if you do catch it.