Chicken attacked by Fox now with strange behavior

[dschoppe]

So we have a fox problem we are working on remedying. He got into the coop and killed 3 hens. We luckily came outside before he got many more but not before ripping a good chunk of feathers from one of my retired hens. I looked her over well and found a few scratches and bald spots but nothing punctured or actively bleeding. She is still eating and drinking and the attack was a week ago. Recently (last two days), when we throw scratch grains, she puts her head down to eat them and after a bite or two it’s like she can’t lift her head back up. She sets her beak down, then it appears she tries to lift her head and instead stands there or backs up her body. Then all of a sudden her head will pop back up. She did lose feathers from her back between her wings and a little into the neck. Now I’m wondering if she has a neck or a nerve injury. I don’t want her to suffer, but mostly she seems ok. Any insight or ideas on what could be wrong or what I could do for her?

Thank you

 

[Hencraze24]

could I see a pic? poor girl

 

[Henriettamom919]

Yes, a pic would help. It could be a simple pinched nerve or tight muscle. Time will be your biggest tell.

Can you bring her in overnight and help her eat/drink to give her some quiet rest?

I hope it's temporary and something simple!

 

[dschoppe]

could I see a pic? poor girl

The first one is when her heads stuck down, then after about a minute she gets it back up. Second photo is right after

 

[Henriettamom919]

Beautiful girl!

It's encouraging that she is capable of resuming normal(ish) posture!

Maybe consider a vitamin supplement, like nutridrench and make sure she's getting enough too eat through out the day. I'm thinking if it were a serious injury she'd be spending more and more time bent, unable to straighten for longer periods, etc.

 

[Hencraze24]

more calcium in their food, maybe? nothing looks wrong.

also, pretty girl! what breed is that?

 

[dschoppe]

could I see a pic? poor girl

more calcium in their food, maybe? nothing looks wrong.

also, pretty girl! what breed is that?

shes an australorp

 

[dschoppe]

Thanks for your replies! She’s separated tonight. Will try nutridench tomm and see how it goes

 

[Henriettamom919]

I hope she's feeling better asap!

 

[dschoppe]

She’s got more pep in her step with the electrolytes. Head thing is about the same but she’s eating and drinking. Will keep waiting and watching.