DOGs Attack!

[dozenforadozen]

I am new to BYC...I have 12 Rhode Island Reds...16 weeks old (not laying yet)

Looked out the window this morning at daylight and saw feathers all over yard. Chased off three dogs. Two chickens seemed to be injured pretty bad. I believe each one has a broken leg. I put them back in the pen. They have moved themselves around a little - but have not stood up. The other girls seemed to be leaving them alone.

Will they be able to survive long-term?

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC - sorry for the circumstances. Depending upon the nature of their injuries, the hens may or may not be OK. I would be really concerned that the dogs will return. Can you notify their owners and fortify your coop/pens?

 

[dozenforadozen]

Thanks.

We have not notified owner - we live in a rural area. We lost some chickens last year due to a dog attack and coons. I rebuilt the pen before getting these... However, I realized I left the door open - when my wife reminded about midnight. They slept in coop - but were our in our yard when the "attack" occurred...

One of the others was also attacked, but was not injured. Seemed to be acting strange though.

 

[sourland]

Being prey animals, chickens try to minimize showing the full nature of their injuries. They may still be somewhat shocky and hiding the possibility of internal injuries. This may be the case with bird # 3.

 

[ten chicks]

I am new to BYC...I have 12 Rhode Island Reds...16 weeks old (not laying yet)

Looked out the window this morning at daylight and saw feathers all over yard. Chased off three dogs. Two chickens seemed to be injured pretty bad. I believe each one has a broken leg. I put them back in the pen. They have moved themselves around a little - but have not stood up. The other girls seemed to be leaving them alone.

Will they be able to survive long-term?

Separate injured hens,other chickens will peck at wounds.Give them electrolytes and vitamins for shock. Clean wounds several times a day. Put antibiotic ointment on wounds,watch for infection. You can splint leg,using popsicle sticks,check leg after 2 weeks. For pain relief,you can purchase Metacam from a vet,or use baby aspirin(80mg),i believe dosage is 25mg per lb of bird,crush tablet sprinkle over something they will eat. Aspirin does thin the blood,so give only if they have no severe bleeding. Keep an eye on them for infection,and make sure they are eating and drinking. KEEP flies away from wounds,(you don't want maggots infested in cuts)wounds may have to be covered if flies are a problem. After serious attack,hens may be afraid to go into coop or act strange,this is normal give them time.

 

[dozenforadozen]

Wow - that's a lot of info. I will be dr Doolittle in morning....Guess good thing kids eat a lot of popsicles.

Thanks

 

[sourland]

How are your birds today?

 

[dozenforadozen]

Well.....sadly one of the birds is no longer with us. But was able to have a good conversation with my oldest son about it. One is limping around but able to get in the coop. And the thirst can stand and move around - but not much. But she seems to have a good appetite.

 

[dozenforadozen]

Today saw some improvement. I opened the pen and all little ladies came out! One still has a pretty bad limp....but she did try to run and actually look more like she was skipping across the yard. The other chicken is hopping around, quite well, on one leg. We even had trouble catching her at dusk. Will try and post video or pic tomorrow....