Chicken can't walk after fox attack (no blood)

Shazwahh

In the Brooder
Nov 28, 2024
4
1
11
I've had a fun of bad luck with foxes in my area now they have dug into our coop and killed all but our rooster and one hen that I found legs up and hardly breathing (thought it was dead). Once I noticed I flipped her back up and couldn't see any injuries but she was in shock. Brought her inside food water and rest she seems alright but she can't walk or stand. She's been still for 2 days had little food and water and laid one egg. No sound from her at all. She's been randomly trying to move but doesn't get far as she can't put weight on her legs. No vets close by that can deal with chickens (rural) so trying to see if anyone has had this or has suggestions on how to help her.
 
I’d be concerned about spinal damage, possibly broken hips. Nerve inflammation can take 2-3 weeks to heal (make sure food/water is within reach, move her often from side to side, keep bedding clean). Broken bones take 4-6 weeks to heal, same as above plus limit movement. If she broke her spine she may never regain movement. One test you can try is holding her up on her feet with one hand and once she’s stable bend the top of one foot under (top of foot parallel to ground). If she flips it back to normal position that is a great sign (the nerves are working), if not it means they aren’t (may recover with time). Also get some sort of pain meds into her.
 
I’d be concerned about spinal damage, possibly broken hips. Nerve inflammation can take 2-3 weeks to heal (make sure food/water is within reach, move her often from side to side, keep bedding clean). Broken bones take 4-6 weeks to heal, same as above plus limit movement. If she broke her spine she may never regain movement. One test you can try is holding her up on her feet with one hand and once she’s stable bend the top of one foot under (top of foot parallel to ground). If she flips it back to normal position that is a great sign (the nerves are working), if not it means they aren’t (may recover with time). Also get some sort of pain meds into her.
What pain meds can chickens have? I'll have a look soon thank you. She's only pooped once so I'm little concerned about that.
 
I've had a fun of bad luck with foxes in my area now they have dug into our coop and killed all but our rooster and one hen that I found legs up and hardly breathing (thought it was dead). Once I noticed I flipped her back up and couldn't see any injuries but she was in shock. Brought her inside food water and rest she seems alright but she can't walk or stand. She's been still for 2 days had little food and water and laid one egg. No sound from her at all. She's been randomly trying to move but doesn't get far as she can't put weight on her legs. No vets close by that can deal with chickens (rural) so trying to see if anyone has had this or has suggestions on how to help her.
Welcome To BYC

I'm sorry to hear about your losses and hen.

I'd get the sugar water into her as suggested along with looking for any bruising or hidden puncture wounds.

Hard to know if the Fox did attack touch her or if she injured herself by running/flying into fencing in a panic.

I'd start her on Vitamin Therapy. Give 400IU Vitamin E and 1/2 tablet B-Complex daily. Give a bit of egg daily, this will help with the uptake of E. (You can find these vitamins at stores like Walmart, CVS, etc. )

Ensure she's drinking well and eating her normal feed.

You can place her in sling for monitored periods of time to help get her upright and take the weight off her legs as well.

If you have photos you wish to share, those are always welcome.
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom