Chick got attacked by magpie...

[Charlotte Davies]

hey all!

Back last week one of my fathers chicks got attacked by a magpie. Luckily she's fine now but it did attack the back of her head quite nastily, it's healing now and scabbing over but when she's being put with the other chicks they're pecking at the scab.. anyone know why? We don't want to keep removing the poor chick and keeping her on her own.

 

[Pork Pie]

The pecking behaviour from the other chicks is quite normal. If you can separate the brooder, so she can see the other chicks it will help keep her happy and part of the flock. Do this until the scab falls off (or can be removed with warm, saline water).

 

[Ursuline Chick]

Agree with Pork Pie Ken, Had to do this with a grown hen who injured a tendon, put her in an area where she was around the other hens, but was seperated so she could easily eat and drink without drama and still had room to roam. Worked great, after a few weeks she let us know she was okay and ready to join the rest of the flock by crying one morning when the others were going out to free range. We opened the broody cage she had been staying in and she jumped out the top! All was well. I think as long as they can see the others they continue to feel they are a part of the flock.

 

[Charlotte Davies]

Thanks both! hopefully she won't have to wait too long until she can go back with the others