Hawk attack, and how to calm the remaining chicken.

[newchickenfam]

We have two backyard chickens, in an urban, but wooded area. They normally free range in our yard when we are home. I heard unusually loud chicken noises, and when I went outside a hawk flew off. It must have taken one of the chickens earlier, because I can only find one chicken now. She blew a lot of feathers, and is so super stressed. She is panting and spooked. I brought her inside to try and relax her. Any suggestions on how to help this girl out?

 

[Chicken Girl1]

Find a nice, safe, quiet place for her with food and water. Does she have any injuries herself?

 

[newchickenfam]

She does appear to have a cut on her side, below her wing. It is not bleeding, but there is a cluster of bloody looking feathers stuck to it. I haven't investigated too much because she is so freaked out. On a super happy note, I found our other chicken uninjured. We were in the backyard and she came out of hiding. Now safe in her coop. I have her in a cage and I will put her in a quiet area of house and monitor her. Should I bring the other chicken in as well, or leave them separate for now?

 

[Chicken Girl1]

Hmm, I'm very sure on what you should do regarding keeping them together or leaving the uninjured one in the coop. I think I personally would separate them but I've never had only 2 hens before so I would gat a second opinion. Try and keep the injured hen calm, if you can tend to the injury. Has she eaten or had a drink yet? Make sure she eats and drinks (or can eat and drink).

 

[newchickenfam]

She is not interested in food/water. I did try to syringe some water along her beak while she was panting, but she closed her mouth. I will offer her some more food and some water in a bit. Hopefully she settles a bit more by then and will eat. Thanks for your help. I'm so upset. Just glad that I heard her being attacked and could stop it.

 

[Chicken Girl1]

I know how upsetting this experience is, I had a hen who I thought would die because the hawk had made a big gouge in her neck. At one point we thought she would be blind in on eye at least, but in less then a month she pulled through and healed completely. Don't worry about forcing food, just have it available. If she doesn't eat or drink for a long time then I would try and give her water. I hope she pulls through!

 

[newchickenfam]

Thanks, glad to hear that your chicken pulled through! We are heading in to our cold season right now, so I am a little worried about her lack of feathers. Might have to knit her one of those chicken sweaters hahaha

 

[Chicken Girl1]

Thanks, glad to hear that your chicken pulled through! We are heading in to our cold season right now, so I am a little worried about her lack of feathers. Might have to knit her one of those chicken sweaters hahaha

Those are real stylish for your hens this time of year!

 

[newchickenfam]

She seems to be doing better this morning. I kept her in the house overnight, and when I checked on her this morning she actually got up and clucked a bit and ate some food. She did start to pant when I picked her up to check her wound, so I think I'm just going to leave it be for now. I will try putting her back out with her sister later this morning and keep a close eye on her.

 

[Chicken Girl1]

I'm glad to hear! Keep us posted on how she does.