Coop attack

[krayca]

Our 6 backyard chickens were attacked last night. We made a grave mistake and forgot to shut the run door open...All but 1 were killed or carried off. We feel terrible and heartbroken. The one chicken who is still with us is obviously traumatize huddled under the coop. We are giving her time to settle but then what.. What do you recommend we do if she makes it thru this? I cant imagine 1 lonely chicken is ok, do I consider getting her a couple young chicks?

 

[Amelia Egghart]

How horrible! She needs to be moved to a safe, dark, warm place if she's to recover. Usually a dog crate covered with a towel in the house works well. Usually after trauma and no injuries, I put the bird on starter crumble with fresh water that had probiotics added. No starter, regular fresh feed is fine.

Once her shell shock stage is over, she'll need a new flock. How old is she? I'd try a couple started pullets that are a little younger (so she can beat them up and not feel challenged!).

Good luck. And that predator will be back since it got an easy meal. Be sure to fortify your coop surroundings to discourage it. Yet another reason to move your sole survivor indoors.

 

[krayca]

Thank you for your response. She is a 2 years old Easter Egger.

 

[GGBEAR]

Oh the poor mite could it have been Fox??

I would suggest gettin pullets and when they start getting beat up do not intervene I had this happen to me

 

[Amelia Egghart]

Ok, I'd get two pullets that are not quite POL. Old enough to be outside on their own but not full size yet so she doesn't feel threatened.

 

[TinyBirds]

She will be okay but could have a period of not laying eggs, but might be just fine. I agree the predator will come back so leaving her in a different location awhile might be good, and not letting her out free range for awhile since raccoons come in daytime too.