Coyote attack! Need advice!

[tmilan07]

We have been free ranging our chickens and they’re so happy. Today I came home to find a coyote in my back yard (it was 5:30 PM), most of my hens missing and a pile of feathers by their favorite tree. I ran the coyote off and all the chickens came back but one

One of my hens had all her tail feathers ripped out and her bottom looks horrible. It’s bloody and there’s poop on it but she’s moving around ok. Not sure if she’s gonna be ok? Do I need to clean it? I’m really worried about her.

No more free range for my girls, sadly.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I generally leave wounds alone. Others try to doctor them up. If they aren't too deep I use bluekote to hide the blood color and to treat the wound with a antiseptic.

 

[tmilan07]

I generally leave wounds alone. Others try to doctor them up. If they aren't too deep I use bluekote to hide the blood color and to treat the wound with a antiseptic.

Thanks! Should I rinse her bum with water before putting the blue Kote on? I have no idea how bad it really is. It was dark out there by the time I went to close the pen gate.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You should inspect it, as well as keep an eye on it for flies. It's up to you if you wish to wash it. I personally don't usually.

 

[tmilan07]

You should inspect it, as well as keep an eye on it for flies. It's up to you if you wish to wash it. I personally don't usually.

Thanks. I’m definitely going to look her over more thoroughly tomorrow. The way I’m feeling tonight, you’d think one of my human children were attacked and not my chickens. Crazy how attached you get to them in such a short period of time

 

[featherhead007]

I totally understand that attachment. I love my beloved birds, but.. "I can't believe I'm going to say this to you". Chickens are bottom of the predator food chain. Easy targets for many other animals and some cruel people as well. I do feel your concern, but try your best not to get too emotional about your lovely animals. It really does hurt, and can be extremely stressful.

 

[featherhead007]

Yes I have lost several no fault of my own.

 

[tmilan07]

I totally understand that attachment. I love my beloved birds, but.. "I can't believe I'm going to say this to you". Chickens are bottom of the predator food chain. Easy targets for many other animals and some cruel people as well. I do feel your concern, but try your best not to get too emotional about your lovely animals. It really does hurt, and can be extremely stressful.

Yes, I definitely understand. I hate to see any animal suffer.

 

[kissezmychicken]

I get attatched.. I just cant help it.. I get upset when one looks 'off'. Ridiculous,, huh?

 

[tmilan07]

I get attatched.. I just cant help it.. I get upset when one looks 'off'. Ridiculous,, huh?

I understand! I couldn’t sleep when one chicken didn’t come home one night. I looked for any sign of her for a couple hours the next day. That should have been my warning to keep them locked up but I just couldn’t say no to their cute little chicken faces when I fed them in the morning. Sigh. I’m so worried about her but I know I can’t do anything in the dark