Fox attack!

[Ficar62]

Our girls were attacked last Thursday. Three killed one survived, but is poorly. Had antibiotic spray on wounds etc. Got her in a box in front porch so we can treat wounds and keep her warm. She’s drinking well, get the odd cluck from her, but she’s not really eating. Anything more we can do?

 

[Boonie Stomper]

What an unfortunate introduction... Sorry about the slaughter. Have you got more than the 1 surviving chicken?

One thing for sure is the fox needs to be got rid of.

 

[Trish1974]

Have you tried mealworms or scrambled eggs? Something a little more enticing than feed?

 

[Morrigan]

First of all, I'm very sorry for your losses. It's heartbreaking to lose so many at once.

As to your surviving bird -- some more information might be helpful. How bad were the wounds and how are they healing? It's good you sprayed antibiotic on her and are keeping her warm. Did you wash out the wounds? Do they look infected? Pictures might help. Is she eating at all? What have you been offering her?

 

[Ficar62]

She’s drinking and picking at feed. Love the mealworm idea will get some tomorrow. Wounds were thoroughly washed before spraying with antibiotics, still doing that. No real puncture wound seems to have been grabbed round the head. She has lost an eye. Thank you Trish1974 I was a bit stunned by Boonie’s post! Currently she’s clucking when I talk to her and is going through egg laying routine...first since Friday. I’m worried about reintroducing her to the rest of the flock. Should I just get her a small coop and a couple of young POL chickens to keep her company? I know Ruby has lost her place in the pecking order now.

 

[Morrigan]

She’s drinking and picking at feed. Love the mealworm idea will get some tomorrow. Wounds were thoroughly washed before spraying with antibiotics, still doing that. No real puncture wound seems to have been grabbed round the head. She has lost an eye. Thank you Trish1974 I was a bit stunned by Boonie’s post! Currently she’s clucking when I talk to her and is going through egg laying routine...first since Friday. I’m worried about reintroducing her to the rest of the flock. Should I just get her a small coop and a couple of young POL chickens to keep her company? I know Ruby has lost her place in the pecking order now.

I'm glad she seems to be doing better! Do you have a way of putting her "in" with the flock, but in a separate cage or separated area? I have a large wire dog carrier cage that I put injured birds in. When they are doing a bit better, I put the cage in the coop -- or out in the yard if the weather is nice -- for a couple of days until the hen is doing better and everyone is used to each other again. Screening off a corner of the coop or yard with chicken wire would also work.

 

[Morrigan]

Also, I meant to add, have you found out how the fox got in with your chickens? In my experience, once a predator learns that there are chickens to be had somewhere, they keep returning for more.

 

[Ficar62]

I wondered about that...sounds like a good idea! Thank you

 

[Ficar62]

Also, I meant to add, have you found out how the fox got in with your chickens? In my experience, once a predator learns that there are chickens to be had somewhere, they keep returning for more.

Indeed your are right! We think it had found a slight incline and used it to climb more than 2m. There were trees with quite robust branches... all been cut down now. I’m guessing it will be tomorrow night it got our neighbours chickens the week before ours, wide hunting circle! So, we’re also putting a radio in the coop and are bricking up the pop hatch over night. Electric fencing is being ordered. Dogs will be let loose if they so much as woof overnight!

Also, I meant to add, have you found out how the fox got in with your chickens? In my experience, once a predator learns that there are chickens to be had somewhere, they keep returning for more.

 

[Ficar62]

She has laid her first egg since Friday. My goodness she’s proud of herself. Vocal chords damaged she wheezes it out rather than clucks! One tough chicken...