Chicken Recovering from Dog Attack

[Mrs Ugh]

Yesterday morning, my newly-laying Isa Brown decided to fly out of their run and into my dogs' run. I came out to find her laying on her back with two dogs surrounding her. I thought she must be dead, but she was breathing when I got there! I picked her up and checked her out. A ton of feathers everywhere, but surprisingly no blood. I isolated her in the garage in case she had internal injuries. She does not seem back to normal, but she is up and ate some - even laid an egg! When should I put her back with the others? Any special reintroduction needed? Just watch her for awhile? Thanks!

 

[LuvBantums]

I would give her some more time. She went through shock and I would let her eat n drink more, because she could have some sort of injury you can't see. is she having any pain that you can see?

 

[Mrs Ugh]

She does not seem to be in pain,but she is much more calm than I would expect for a hen in a small box! I see her standing, but I can't tell if she can walk okay. Maybe I'll let her out in the garage later today and see how she does. Thanks.

 

[Chickassan]

Let her out in your garage and look for anything unusual. If she seems fine put her back immediately the sooner the better.

 

[Mrs Ugh]

I put Rapunzel out in the garage. She is pecking at the "flock party" I put out for her, but her right leg or foot is injured. She walks, but with a distinct limp. Any suggestions?

 

[fivelittlefeathers]

I put Rapunzel out in the garage. She is pecking at the "flock party" I put out for her, but her right leg or foot is injured. She walks, but with a distinct limp. Any suggestions?

If you can hold her still enough, do some (gentle!!) prodding to see where it's actually hurt. I'd wrap it well and/or loosely spilt it, and if you can get access to liquid pain medicine give her a few doses and see if she puts a little weight on it again. If none of that's available then just give her a lil time, if it's somehow permanently damaged then after the pain leaves she'll just be a bum leg hen

 

[HomesteaderWife]

Firstly, I am SO GLAD your little hen was not injured much worse! What a blessing. It's been a long time since I rehabilitated a hen who was attacked by dogs, so I have to just agree in saying yes, give her time to settle down. Keep a careful eye putting her back in the flock. I hope she recovers well, and keep us updated!