Fox Attack! Please Help Me!

[chancet101]

So, this morning I went out to feed and water my chickens, and I see a fox holding one of my black australorps by its neck! I chased it and the fox let go. The chicken was missing feathers but there were no gashes. The only weird thing is that its voice croaks. Like when your drinking with a straw and you finish the drink. It coughs every few minutes. I had to leave and I won't be home until 3. Will it be OK?

 

[sourland]

Sounds as if the fox may have injured her larynx. Hopefully she will be okay. Guard your birds. Fox are feeding kits now and are actively hunting.

 

[Bigwig]

Get a live trap if that is legal in your area. The fox will be back.

 

[rottlady]

keep your chickens inside a predator proof run and coop now because since he/she has discovered that you have a fast food restaurant it will come back because it has hungry kits. Our neighbor lost over 20 chickens last year to fox and coyotes feeding babies

 

[JackE]

I hope you put those birds away in a safe place before you left, because as sure as the sun rises, that fox WILL be back. I was practically wiped out by a fox a few yrs ago in a couple of hours. Electrified poultry net was the answer for me.

 

[chancet101]

Thanks for the help! Is there anything I can do to help its larynx?

 

[sourland]

If the larynx is indeed damaged, it should heal on it's own, but her voice may be changed.

 

[JackE]

That bird is lucky to be alive. As long as she's breathing good, and active (Eating & drinking), she should be OK. A different voice is a small price to pay.

 

[chancet101]

GreatNews!The bird is fine! They are in their coop and we set traps for the fox. Her voice is fine and she's just missing some feathers.

 

[sourland]

Good update.