Dogs are the worst predator, I swear Amazing update!

[Brahmachicken240]

Against all odds, my two roosters were waiting outside the run this morning when I went out to check on my chickens and feed them! Not a scratch on them. They don't even appear to have any frostbite from being outside in 15F temps.

This is a perfect example why I have posted replies on many threads on this forum about missing chickens after a predator attack not to give up on the chickens surviving even though they haven't turned up after many hours of searching. Which is what I did until sundown last night, slipping and sliding in the snow searching every nook and cranny on eight acres surrounding my dwellings.

They must have led those dogs a merry chase, probably double teaming them so the dogs couldn't focus on killing one of them. But where they managed to hole up after the attack is going to probably remain a mystery.

Here are the amazing miracle roos this morning in all their glory! View attachment 1680173

Oh my! That’s wonderful.

 

[ladybugchickenfarms]

Against all odds, my two roosters were waiting outside the run this morning when I went out to check on my chickens and feed them! Not a scratch on them. They don't even appear to have any frostbite from being outside in 15F temps.

This is a perfect example why I have posted replies on many threads on this forum about missing chickens after a predator attack not to give up on the chickens surviving even though they haven't turned up after many hours of searching. Which is what I did until sundown last night, slipping and sliding in the snow searching every nook and cranny on eight acres surrounding my dwellings.

They must have led those dogs a merry chase, probably double teaming them so the dogs couldn't focus on killing one of them. But where they managed to hole up after the attack is going to probably remain a mystery.

Here are the amazing miracle roos this morning in all their glory! View attachment 1680173

Those roosters really are heroes! An amazing chicken miracle

 

[The Lazy L]

Do you think they lured the dogs away from your chickens thereby saving your chickens. Smart roos if they did.

Hens go into what I call statue mode. They find some brush and freeze, stay motionless. Roosters on the other hand (to protect their flock or are just cowards) run!!!!!!! Dogs love chew toys that run so the dog(s) leave the hens alone. That's my theory.

 

[Melodychick]

What wonderful news!!!!

 

[The chicken wizard]

you should ask your county for a permit to kill/trap them. chances are that those evil monsters will be back for more. so sorry for your losses

 

[aart]

@aart These miracle roos survived the dog attack as well as being out in subfreezing temps all night.

That's Great!
I assumed that you had found them dead.

 

[Wickedchicken6]

This has been a rollercoaster...whew!

That's fantastic that your two rooties are alive and unscathed by the dogs and the cold!

 

[PattyNH]

Against all odds, my two roosters were waiting outside the run this morning when I went out to check on my chickens and feed them! Not a scratch on them. They don't even appear to have any frostbite from being outside in 15F temps.

This is a perfect example why I have posted replies on many threads on this forum about missing chickens after a predator attack not to give up on the chickens surviving even though they haven't turned up after many hours of searching. Which is what I did until sundown last night, slipping and sliding in the snow searching every nook and cranny on eight acres surrounding my dwellings.

They must have led those dogs a merry chase, probably double teaming them so the dogs couldn't focus on killing one of them. But where they managed to hole up after the attack is going to probably remain a mystery.

Here are the amazing miracle roos this morning in all their glory! View attachment 1680173

That is amazing!! SOOOOOO happy for you!!!

 

[Alexandra33]

Oh, I could've cried tears of pure joy when I read your update! You have your golden boys back. God is good. If they'll accept it, perhaps spoil them a little extra?

All that can be said, is: cherish them (though I'm aware you already do). I have yet to meet a valiant roo who's protective. Mine are the first to dive for cover when a raptor flies over, and watch from safety while a hen is killed/eaten.

~Alex

 

[azygous]

Hoo boy! Little did I realize the emergency wasn't over. I've been treating my two roos all day for delayed shock. This morning when they appeared in front of me after being outside all night, who knows where, they both looked to be in good health with robust red combs. But by mid-morning, both boys combs were black, and the younger one, Toots, was so lethargic I thought he'd fall over dead. He was all but semi-conscious with his eyes closed and swaying on his feet.

The black combs signaled acute stress to me since I've watched the comb color change on them before when they would go through periods of excitement or stress, only to have the normal red color return soon after. Their combs showed no tissue whiteness like you get with the first day of frostbite, and neither showed any blistering. Both combs were warm to the touch despite the black color, so I was pretty sure I wasn't dealing with frostbite.

I think one of the lessons of this thread I would like to impart is that any predator attack on a flock should be followed up immediately with electrolytes and vitamins, something I gave a fleeting thought to this morning but failed to follow through on. I fixed them some electrolyte and sugar water first.

I fixed them some scrambled egg and sprinkled some Poultry Nutri-drench over it. I also tore up half a slice of whole wheat bread and doused it with Nutri-drench. They both ate well and drank, and Toots rallied and is now his old self. The black on the combs, which covered the entire top half of each comb, is now receding with the normal red color coming back, sort of like the moon reappearing after an eclipse.

I also found that my youngest flock member Ladybug had injured her foot or sprained a leg in the attack yesterday. She was limping badly and holding her foot up curled against her belly. After a baby aspirin and sharing some of the boys goodies, she's also feeling much better.

This has all been an adventure I hope not to repeat ever, or at least not for a very long time.