Hawk Attack

[RafeMauran]

Just had a hawk go after one of my hens. I got outside in time to scare the hawk off but my hens scurried off under a deck and won’t come out. She is alive but is super scared and looks pretty weak. Should I crawl under and get her or let her be for a while? She is in a tight spot and I am a little worried that I may further injure her if I try to force her out.

 

[Aapomp831]

I would try to get to her if you can. If she has injuries the other chickens may attack her. A small dog crate for isolation until you can properly assess any injuries. It takes a little bit for a chicken to come out of the shock of an attack - she may be severely injured and running on pure adrenaline, or she may just have a few scratches. If you find any injuries, clean the blood off and apply Neosporin that doesn’t contain painkiller and let her rest. You can make her a wet mash for her own food or offer a little scrambled egg for protein.