Fox, coyote or dog attack one loss and an injury

[Why and Dotte]

I feel incredibly stupid, the chicks are ruling the coop at the moment with a bad case of cocci so I gave the hens the barn for the night, well it isn't predator proof. I'm left with a missing hen and at least one injured that I've noticed so far, her leg has about a 2in by 3in bite on her thigh, only skin is missing she's puffed up and stressed but still grazing.
I had a hawk attack similar except on the hens neck, it healed up well without any attention would her wound be ok or should I do anything with it? I'm worried because it was a bite not a claw like the hawk.

Thanks

 

[sourland]

Chickens have great recuperative powers, and as long as she has no internal injuries, she should be O.K. Keep an eye on the wound to assure that it does not become maggot infested. Needless to say, make sure your hens are safely secured tonight. The predator will be back.

 

[jjthink]

Shock and stress is their biggest enemy after attack. A bit of electrolytes for shock (Pedialtye or Gatorade will do in a pinch) and you might add a drop of Rescue Remedy to her water for stress. She needs to be consoled, kept in a stress free environment and charmed with treats or whatever it takes to bring down her stress level.

Neosporin (without added pain relief ingredient) on wound (when deep they may need oral or injectible antibiotics as well to beat back infection). Ideally clean wound first with 9 parts water to one part betadine.

If no active bleeding and if internal bleeding not suspected, for pain you can crush a baby aspirin in a cup of her drinking water. When they are in a lot of pain (which may take a day or so to set in) they will not eat or drink well.

I hope your missing hen escaped alive - I would search high and low in case she's hurt somewhere and needs help.

The pred will be back.

JJ