Fox and broken leg

[Party_Chicken]

We had a fox show up again on Monday but it didn’t take anything. Yesterday it came back while we were away and took one of our olive eggers. The other olive egger got stuck next to the coop. I think she has a broken leg but I’m not sure. What do you think?

 

[Farmgirl283420]

So sorry for your loss is she putting any weight on it?

 

[Eggcessive]

Can you see a vet for an xray or splinting? Are there any breaks in the skin? If so, I would use some chlorhexidene (Hibiclens) or 10% Betadine to spray or drip on the wound. Splinting can be done with padding, something stiff such as popsicle sticks, and vet wrap or cohesive bandage. Keep her separated inside a wire dog crate with food and water, but still inside the coop or run near the others, to limit her activity. If splinting is done, she can be out some with other chickens.

 

[Party_Chicken]

We have a chicken recovering from some nerve damage so we put her with her. She doesn't limp but she hops. So a stick gauze and some medical tape should help?

 

[Party_Chicken]

Also if you have any tips to keep the fox at bay that would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Oldegarlicshnapp]

Also if you have any tips to keep the fox at bay that would be greatly appreciated.

If it’s coming in where they’re sleeping, consider using hardwire mesh in lieu of chicken wire. Although you’re describing it being out of the coop in broad daylight

 

[Party_Chicken]

Yea it comes early in the morning and around lunchtime.

 

[Eggcessive]

Have you seen the fox live or on a game camera? Hardware cloth on your run and windows, and an apron around the bottom of the coop and run can make them safer. But if it came around in daylight, you may need to keep them inside the coop/run. I have learned to make coops and runs as large as possible, since they may have to stay inside them during certain times of the year, or when a predator is around. Here is some info about an apron for your run:
https://carolinacoops.com/predator-apron/

 

[Party_Chicken]

We had a hole in our run and a couple of ours got out and that’s when he got her.