Hen attacked by owl

Lindseyfj

Chirping
Jun 27, 2017
17
19
64
Last night I was late getting home to put my hens in their coop, where they stay safe at night. And sure enough I walked up on an owl attacking one of my hens. She’s not bleeding from anywhere and has no visible signs of injury. Although now all day she’s been walking around and seems sleepy. She’s been keeping her eyes closed. I’m wondering if she’s in pain? Or maybe just traumatized? Any advice would help, I’m worried.
 
Damage she suffered likely severe. Owl talons probably penetrated body cavity damaging internal organs. Keep hen cool, quite with access to water. Do not worry about feed until she becomes more active and starts scratching about.
Agreed.
Still sleepy and keeping eyes closed, hen is either still in shock or has injuries yet to be discovered.
@Lindseyfj did you thoroughly inspect every inch of her for any puncture wounds? If you didn't I would re-examine her.
As suggested, keep her hydrated and cool. Electrolytes can be helpful in the first 6-8hrs, if you have those, offer them since it sounds like she hasn't been drinking much for the day.

She’s not bleeding from anywhere and has no visible signs of injury. Although now all day she’s been walking around and seems sleepy. She’s been keeping her eyes closed. I’m wondering if she’s in pain? Or maybe just traumatized? Any advice would help, I’m worried.
 
Your hen was lucky then.
And that was one bold owl.
Screech owls are small, a bigger owl would have carried her off.
I’ve lost several chickens in the beginning to different predators.
The surviving chicken learned, and taught the offspring. As result, I haven’t lost any in a very long time.
(I don’t mind so much loosing a chicken here or there to a wild animal = circle of life. What got/gets me, is roaming pets breaking into my pen/coop and killing every single bird, just for the heck of it. Which has happened to me twice!)
 
Agreed.
Still sleepy and keeping eyes closed, hen is either still in shock or has injuries yet to be discovered.
@Lindseyfj did you thoroughly inspect every inch of her for any puncture wounds? If you didn't I would re-examine her.
As suggested, keep her hydrated and cool. Electrolytes can be helpful in the first 6-8hrs, if you have those, offer them since it sounds like she hasn't been drinking much for the day.
I wasn’t able to examine her that well after it happened as it was dark and I had a flashlight. I was able to look on her underside and under her wings looking for any puncture wounds. I keep a water mister on for the hens during the day, I noticed she was under the misters seemingly enjoying it. Although she kind of still hung around with her eyes closed. I would like to check her again for wounds, I’m hoping she’s better tomorrow.
 

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