Fox Attack, Unknown Injuiry

[TwistedRootTree]

Last night, one of our hens slept outside and nobody realized until a fox came by around 3am. I opened my window and the fox dropped her at the sound. She was not bleeding anywhere and couldn't have fallen from far based on where we think she settled down. She is very alive, but can’t stand and doesn’t really move on her own. It seems like either her left leg or back could be injured. We’re assuming that she’s still discombobulated from the attack as it happened about 4.5 hours ago. Does anybody have any suggestions? It seems like the only way to gauge if the injury is bad enough to cull is to wait and see, but that seems cruel.

 

[TwistedRootTree]

After looking into it more, I think the main problem is definitely shock. She is in a pet crate inside (it’s pretty cold outside currently) and we made her take some electrolyte water.

 

[Auntiejessi3]

After looking into it more, I think the main problem is definitely shock. She is in a pet crate inside (it’s pretty cold outside currently) and we made her take some electrolyte water.

Good deal! Just keep offering electrolytes and monitor her. Did you give her a good once over to check for puncture wounds?

 

[Eggcessive]

Yes, treat for shock with electrolytes and a little sugar. Keep her warm during shock. Once she is a little better offer wet mushy chicken feed and scrambled egg. Look for any puncture wounds or cuts, and clean with Hibiclens and water, then apply plain Triple antibiotic ointment twice a day. If ahe continues to not stand check out some chicken slings. You can place food and water right in front of her, and then take her out of the sling for sleep and other rest periods.

 

[Eggcessive]

Here are some samples of home made chicken slings:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/versions-of-chick-chairs-please.1166308/
The design is on page 2, and posts 5, 11-15 are good ones.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Also check her body under her wings for possible bruising. Chickens bruise green, may look even a bit turquise-ish. Watch for coughing, as if she'd been squished.

 

[TwistedRootTree]

Yes, treat for shock with electrolytes and a little sugar. Keep her warm during shock. Once she is a little better offer wet mushy chicken feed and scrambled egg. Look for any puncture wounds or cuts, and clean with Hibiclens and water, then apply plain Triple antibiotic ointment twice a day. If ahe continues to not stand check out some chicken slings. You can place food and water right in front of her, and then take her out of the sling for sleep and other rest periods.

Throughout the day she has been drinking electrolytes and nibbling on mushy feed on her own, and she just clucked softly as I checked on her! Still no movement, but things are looking up. Thank you all for advice!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Good that she's eating and drinking! Don't forget to supply her with a little grit and, if she's laying, with some oyster shell as well.