Help! 4 of my six hens were killed by a predator

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maureenb59

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Last night something got into my chicken coop(in Connecticut). The two hens that survived are traumatized. I don't know how to help them. They are seven months old, barred Plymouth rocks. Should I get more chickens? Should I keep them in the house? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
Welcome, sorry it's under bad conditions. Are they hurt? Chickens will often go into a shocky state after an attack. Keep them quiet and out of drafts. They should start coming around after 24 hours if they weren't hurt.

Was you coop left open? Did something break in? It will probably return so either move your chickens somewhere safe or shore up the coop, so nothing gets them. Though I might put them in a crate for a night or two somewhere safe so they don't have to listen to something sniffing about again tonight.

As whether to get more or not depends on if you want more. It might be better to wait until spring to add more, but that's a personal decision.
 
oldhenlikesdogs said:
Welcome, sorry it's under bad conditions. Are they hurt? Chickens will often go into a shocky state after an attack. Keep them quiet and out of drafts. They should start coming around after 24 hours if they weren't hurt.

Was you coop left open? Did something break in? It will probably return so either move your chickens somewhere safe or shore up the coop, so nothing gets them. Though I might put them in a crate for a night or two somewhere safe so they don't have to listen to something sniffing about again tonight.

As whether to get more or not depends on if you want more. It might be better to wait until spring to add more, but that's a personal decision.
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Hi and welcome to BYC:frow We're so thrilled you've decided to join us:ya But we really do wish it were under better circumstances. :hugs Can you post pictures of the crime scene as well as the break-in point?
 
Thank you for responding. One of the hens seems to be OK. the other seems like she's in shock. A couple feathers look like something got to them. Otherwise, she seems ok. Time will tell. Sadly, I must not have secured the latch, because the door was open which I feel horrible about. I think I will bring them in tonight.
 
maureenb59 said:
Thank you for responding. One of the hens seems to be OK. the other seems like she's in shock. A couple feathers look like something got to them. Otherwise, she seems ok. Time will tell. Sadly, I must not have secured the latch, because the door was open which I feel horrible about. I think I will bring them in tonight.
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Don't beat yourself up. I've had raccoons open latches more than once.
 

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