Chickens stressed/sad after fox attack?

[BackItUp.PlayItSlow]

I’m 3 days post fox attack that claimed 3 of my girls and my 2nd in command cockerel. (Sorry guys, mom failed you. They were free-ranging and I ran out in the middle of the day for 20 min. Tough lesson to learn, I won’t be doing that again).


The 7 I have left are eating and drinking mostly normally, but no one is talking. My alpha roo hasn’t even tried to crow since. I’m getting eggs, but no egg songs. They’re confined to their run and coop now- predator proof (fingers crossed- I saw mr Fox sitting in the yard looking longingly into the run this am. It is fully enclosed hardware cloth all the way around, and the coop doors are double locked. If I had been closer the fox would be a memory at this point).


I guess what I’m wondering is are they still in shock? I’ve been treating with the antiseptic spray, nutri-drench in the water (and direct drops for the girls who I notice panting) and vetrx in bedding and rubbed on wings.


Anything else I should try?

 

[coach723]

It often takes time for them to recover from a traumatic attack. They are being quiet because noise attracts predators. Unless they are wounded I would just give them fresh plain water, and give them some time.

 

[BackItUp.PlayItSlow]

It often takes time for them to recover from a traumatic attack. They are being quiet because noise attracts predators. Unless they are wounded I would just give them fresh plain water, and give them some time.

Thank you for the assurance. I’ll switch back to plain water and give them time. 2 have puncture wounds that I cleaned the evening it happened, and have debrided since. They look healthy and are scabbed over. I’ll watch closely for changes, but let nature do its thing.

 

[coach723]

After a hawk attack my birds were extremely reluctant to leave the coop for almost a week. And they were flighty and easily startled for even longer, and my roo was alerting on everything causing mass panic several times a day. It eventually calmed down.