Hawk attack

[Rowley5678]

My chickens got out earlier today without my knowledge when I was waiting for my kids at the bus. When they got home we went outside to check on the flock and we came out to my turkeys protecting the flock again a huge hawk! We counted heads and everyone was alive, thank you lord.....but one of my girls is horrible! She is messed up something awful! We put her in a cage by herself, dressed her wounds, the whole deal. She was up running around and what not but she has a HUGE chunk of flesh missing, her eye is swollen shut, shes in very bad shape....I went to check on her and feed her an egg and she was standing and alert....very worried to where she wouldn't eat so I left it close to her. Is there any hope for my girl? My kids and i are devastated

 

[gtaus]

Sometimes animals bounce back after an attack, and other times the stress is just too much and they pass. I hope your girl recovers.

I have a Bald Eagle and hawk concern where I live. So my chicken run has bird netting on top. So far, I have not had an attack. I know many people like to free range their chickens, but around here, we call those people former chicken owners.

 

[micstrachan]

Yes, there is hope for your girl. You will need to tend to her wounds. I would set up a clean, dry, warm place for her inside with towels instead of bedding (to keep bedding from getting in the wound.) Trim back feathers, flush the wound and eye with sterile saline if you have it, and post photos so we can help you further. I suspect the wound will need antibiotic ointment or even manuka honey.

 

[FortCluck]

She probably doesn't feel it because of the bodies response to pain. She can be in shock as well and not notice the pain. I would bring her inside and clean out the wound with sterile water or sterile saline so you can see a bit better. Then use something like iodine on sterile gauze and dab it on the wound. You can then put vetericyn on it.

I'd leave her inside until she is healed. I had a hawk attack too earlier this year

 

[Rowley5678]

Yes, there is hope for your girl. You will need to tend to her wounds. I would set up a clean, dry, warm place for her inside with towels instead of bedding (to keep bedding from getting in the wound.) Trim back feathers, flush the wound and eye with sterile saline if you have it, and post photos so we can help you further. I suspect the wound will need antibiotic ointment or even manuka honey.

I work nights but when I get home I'll be sure to take photos

 

[Rowley5678]

These were taken just now. Shes alert and standing. I put wound healer on her and sprayed her wounds with spray. I wanted to wrap her body with some gauze but she wasnt having it so I gazed the big spot and let her relax

 

[micstrachan]

Poor girl. That does look a bit deep, but I still think she can recover with your help. Is her crop and the rest of her GI intact, as far as you can tell? Is her breathing fine? The wound is on her neck/chest area only, correct?

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

Awww sorry about your girl. You can try vetrycin for the wound and eye. Give her warm mash made from her food, you can add things to it as treats!

 

[glassdragonfly]

Poor girl! Your on the right track with her. If there is no internal injuries she should heal,but its going to take time.Trim the feathers all around the wounds. Keep the wounds clean and apply triple antibiotic ointment without pain relief. Chickens seem to heal faster when the wound is kept moist. A clean,dry,warm and safe place will help her stay calm. Warm wet feed,tuna and scrambled eggs are good for her and might encourage her to eat. Her feathers will grow back when the skin heals. She is a very lucky girl! That turkey you have is a keeper!

 

[ArcticChickens]

So sorry about your hen! I have just come back from tending to one of my own hens that was attacked by a hawk two days ago and now has a similar wound in the same location. In the beginning she was doing very poorly, loosing her balance and refusing to feed or drink. To be honest, I didn't think she'd survive this long but today she is much more alert and managing to stay on her feet for a while.
I agree with everything said above and would add from my own (very limited) experience that proper hydration is crucial! Since my hen is not feeding on her own, I regularly "force feed" her with a syringe during the day, just plain water and finely ground oats mixed with yogurt and water. It's no fun for her but it seems to be doing the trick. Look for green watery poo, it could mean dehydration and/or not enough feed. Other than that I let her rest as much as possible.
I hope your hen pulls through! Good luck!