Dead hen. causes? Warning! Graphic images.

[isitabird]

Hi,
I only had one hen and one rooster. They live in a tractor and were very happy. Unfortunately they share the field they live in with sheep. I had a paving slab against one of the doors and it looks like a sheep managed to stand on this while lifting the door. The result was that the little sliding door was resting on the slab leaving a gap the width of the slab under the door.

So when I came out to feed the chickens yesterday there was one dead hen and one live rooster. The hen wasn't near the door and the only injuries I could see were to the head and back of head. I'm a bit worried that the rooster did it. I need advice.

They are old english game bantams.

I've attached the pictures of the dead hen. Sorry, but it's a lot better than trying to describe the injuries.

Luckily I have another cock and hen in a brooder at the moment who hatched from that hen (she was a show supreme champion but that was before I came to have her). Otherwise I would have no prospect of eggs without buying another hen. As it is I'm going to have to wait 4 months for my next egg!

I'm kind of hoping people will tell me it was probably a rat but I suspect not and I don't know what to do about my rooster if he's going to go around killing his hens. . . Particularly since I'm down to one pullet chick now (the new rooster is not as good as the one in question so he's going to be dinner as soon as he grows a bit.)

Thanks in advance.
Ian.

 

[sourland]

I am doubtful that the rooster did this. The wounds are far more severe than just 'pecking'. Something was actually feeding upon her. Fortify your pens and set live traps on their perimeters.

 

[isitabird]

thanks Sourland. Believe it or not that actually sounds like good news to me!

 

[mi chicken]

possum are known for that mabe a mink

 

[isitabird]

Mink are possible here, but we don't get possums in Ireland. Would have thought a mink would have had both of them though, rather than not having a very thorough go at one. On the other hand, Old English game were fighting birds and the cock stands his ground with the sheep when he's out, so you never know.