Dog attack/chicken help needed. <<pic>>

[yellowchickensmomma]

We had some wild dogs come visit yesterday.

My brother heard the commotion and ran out with his gun and scared the dogs off before things got too out of hand. We had alot of feathers everywhere. I thought I had everything secure. We put patches on everything until Sat when my husband can get to the feed store. Anyways, when I did a head count last night I knew I had one chicken missing. This morning I left to take the kids to the bus stop and head to work. I noticed my GLW sitting in the tree line. She had been out all night... that's so not her. my GLW are normally the first in the barn at night. I scooped her up and took her back to the barn. She has a limp. I didn't see any broken bones or blood. She stands around with her eyes closed and head hunkered down. I tried to get her to eat but she just closes her eyes again. She wont drink water either. She got herself in the run and I could get her (we had to close all the openings.) When I got her close enough to the pop hole she went under the barn and will not come out. This is how she was (I hope the pic comes up)...

I'm worried sick. Almost called into work today. My husband would have a heart attack if I did so I had to leave her. Please help. Do they recover from stuff like this.

 

[Elite Silkies]

When you get home give her some aspirin. 1 tablet per gallon. Might have to give it to her yourself if she will not drink on her own. I had a chick attacked by a cat and a dog at the same time and he survived, so there is hope.

 

[Chicken Chat]

check her over carefully for any puncture wounds , those feathers can hide a lot. She could be in shock, they will do that after an attack. Are you able to bring her in and put her in a warm quite place for a few days?

 

[Chew593]

if you have a cage or large box or rubbermaid toter I would maybe move your poor little girl inside where she can be warm and calm and away from other birds. definately check her over for puncture wounds and be prepared to syringe feed and water her if necessary. I had to nurse a BA back from nasty dog bites but she made it and is now laying eggs. Also search for posts on this site from member 'Threehorses' she gave me phenominal advice on how to administer supportive care to an injured bird. Good luck.

 

[horsejody]

Keep her warm. Put her in a cage in a quiet place with a heat source, When they go into shock they need a little extra warmth.

 

[yellowchickensmomma]

Ok, so I'm home now and had the kids go and get her from the run. I put her in a dog cage with food and water. I gave her some water through a dropper. That wasn't an easy task. She wouldn't let me open her mouth. I hope thats a good sign. I hooked up a light in the cage. My poor husband isn't going to be too thrilled I put her in his workshop/barn. Is there anything else I can do to help her. She just seems soooooo weak.

 

[Chew593]

Quote:
I have made very soupy mash out of crushed layer pellets plain oatmeal and warm water mix in a little scrambled egg or yogurt and it's like comfort food for a healing bird. If the bird won't eat or drink on her own mix in some b vitamins to her water or electrolites. I've also heard of honey to bring up blood sugar a little. Search this site! It's the best resourse you have. The fact she's still alive tells you something. Good luck... keep us posted.

 

[horsejody]

If you have any children's polyvisol liquid vitamins (without iron), dribble a few drops on her beak. She may be dehydrated so any moisture you can into her will be helpful. Try offering her plain yogurt or oatmeal. Good luck.

 

[rcentner]

definately giver her aspirin as suggested earlier, pain can drive an animal not to eat and not eating or drinking only leads to one thing. Good luck!

 

[Chew593]

I posted the wrong thread... try again

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=230018 << click here


there is a post in this thread that covers supportive care.