Coon attack victim still standing...

[wanda047]

whats the single most efficient thing you can do to coon proof a coup?

Since my babies will also be moving to their coops before the week is over, I too would like to hear some suggestions to predator-proofing the coops against coons and possums.

My neighbors lost everyone of their chickens to coons... so did my mother-in-law who lives down the road. I'm assuming that I will spend many sleepless nights patroling the chicken coops with gun in hand.

I am looking into getting an outdoor dog to help stand guard. Are their any breeds better than others? Puppy vs. old dog?​

 

[chilling in muscadine]

Quote:
Don't beat yourself up about not being able to go to a vet even if you have one in your area. The economy sucks right now and alot of us are struggling. Do get to the feed store and get some antibiotics. You should be able to afford this and it sounds like your bird needs it. Last year I had one of my dogs rip both wings off one of my hens and what I had to do was keep trying foods in my kitchen until I found stuff she would eat. Do whatever you have to do to get her to eat.

For those of you wanting tips on predator profing your coops you need to explain your setup and post us a pic and that will help us decide what you need to do.

One thing to remember is the word chicken wire is deceiving. It will keep chickens in but will not keep predators out. Post away and we will try and help you.

I hope your bird gets better and get those antibiotis going quickly.

 

[bodefamily]

Feed store out of antibiotics, but will have them in tomorrow. Have aspirin and vitamin/electrolyte mix for her water. No eating yet. I will keep you posted.

 

[jjthink]

Aspirin dosage is ~1 baby aspirin crushed per cup of water (or five 325mg aspirins crushed per gallon). No substitutes without first confirming okay for chickens. Should change out to a fresh mixture twice daily if possible so probably best to make in small batches. If you ever lose this info it's on BYC in lots of place if you use "Search" mechanism. You may at first have to gently with a dropper dribble a drop at a time along her beak line (so as not to choke) till the stuff kicks in a bit and she hopefully will then drink on her own. I have also at times cut up bits of fruit (grape, blueberry etc.) and immersed them in aspirin water and then fed the fruit, just to get things started. If she's not eating, that won't work...
JJ

 

[sangel4you]

oh poooor baby... crossing my fingers for her...your just not having any luck trying to fix her huh?! Prayers to hope things start going a little smoother and she'll start eating!

didn't start my coop yet...that's why I'm asking now for ideas.

 

[chilling in muscadine]

Quote:
Do you have any antibiotics around the house or know anyone you could get some from? Chicken can take human meds, of cource you will need to research the type and I would talk with a vet before giving your bird any. I can also get you in contact with another BYC member that would be beneficial in making that decission. She is a wealth of information on illnesses with chickens. Let me know if you need me to contact her for you.

If your bird isn't eating yet than do like I said and keep trying for anything your bird will eat. Baby parrot formula may be the route you need to go to get some food in now.

 

[Schultz]

We had the same thing happen. The coon tore into her sinus area which caused the sound. I don't know if that's your case or not. We did not give her aspirin we just treated the wounds with neosporin w/o pain reliever and kept her in a warm dark place. We had to hand feed her for a couple of weeks as she was blinded in one eye. She was in shock for a while so we just let her sleep a lot and fed her and gave her water several times a day. We had to soften the feed with warm water so she could eat it. I hope this turns out well but if it doesn't I am glad you are responsible enough to end her suffering.

 

[bodefamily]

She died. We were able to slaughter her before she stopped breathing, and will honor her life by making her the star of a very tasty dish. There was something very wrong with her crop/neck/ throat. She could not swallow and ended up with thick mucuos in her mouth, struggling for breath. Thanks for all the advice, I am learning a lot in a very short time!

What I learned - you have to check after the kids, even if it is their chore. They are too young to really understand the consequences.

 

[chilling in muscadine]

I am so sorry, I had hoped all would work out for her.

 

[aidenbaby]

I am sorry for your loss.