Dog attack cost us our layers

[Elchick]

Yes, it's a good thing you killed them, once they get a taste they almost always come back for more. It's best to ensure they never threaten your flock again.

 

[rmc85]

Man that sucks...

At least the owner of the dogs is taking care of the situation and not causing a fuss over his dead dogs.

 

[Katy]

I pm'd you.

 

[threehorses]

Quote:
Actually maggots don't just eat dead flesh. Screw worm maggots eat living flesh and will eat the bird alive. And unless your husband is an entomologist and the maggots were from a sterile lab, they're simply infecting the hen.

I'd pick her up and treat the wounds - smother the maggots out with honey, then wash out the wounds well with iodine thinned with water til it's the color of weak iced tea. Pat dry (the iodine is so weak it'll kill germs but not harm the birds if you pat it dry), then pack all wounds with neosporin. You'll really have to pick her up and check every inch of her for punctures as they're easily hidden.

Maggots that are used to clean wounds are done so in a controlled environment and then taken off. Let us know if you need any wound treating help. Penicillin injectable, by the way, is the antibiotic for that but cleaning very thoroughly first is most of the battle.

I'm so very sorry about the dog attacks. But I'm thoroughly amazed that your neighbor was accountable about it - though too late. We lost 10 geese to a dog attack, nevermind that all four acres of our place has 6' tall barbed wire topped chainlink. THe dog found one little area and got in, slaughtered things. I missed the dog, and his owner won't admit it's his - even though he's at his house every day with his other dogs outside. The dog comes into the road to growl and try to attack people, including moms walking with their babies. But the police won't do anything, and the man sure won't. And since we're in the city, I can't just walk down there and take care of it myself. The police say "If he's at your house, even your driveway, you can kill him."

I'm so sorry that you and your husband had to do that, but thank you for being brave enough to do so. What a nightmare! /hugs
But why do WE the animal lovers have to do this?

 

[KSPixieChick]

We lost another hen to her wounds. Thanks for the advice about the maggots. We will check her today. I have a neighbor who is a veternarian who came by yesterday with some medicine for my babies. She said it was cherry flavor.

They seem to like it. When she told me she didn't want payment for the meds, I asked her if she wanted a box of eggs. Then it hit me, again, and I almost started crying.
I guess it will take some time.
Thanks for all your kind and helpful words.