Hen attacked, by what, I don't know

[MarlaMac]

First of all let me say "thank you" to everyone on this forum that has given advice to others. I scan this forum often to get ideas of what to do, "if" if ever needed them. Today, "if" happened.

My flock free ranges all day - out in the am and led back in at sunset by rooster. We are out and about all day and see the flock happily scratching around. About 1.5 hours before sunset, the flock starts to head back toward the run and I am usually out there and sit with them as they meander into the run. I lock the run and then go back out after everyone is in the coop to do a final close up.

Tonight when it was time for everyone to start to head toward the run, I counted heads, 7 hens, 4 babies, 1 rooster...1 missing. Started looking and found her pecking around all by herself - not usual. Had to climb a barbed wire fence b/c the like to hang out in the trees on the property next to us. Closing that option off tomorrow - the have plenty of trees on our proper to utilize.

Got her pretty quickly - she hardly ran away. Started looking at her and found the gaping wound in the pictures attached. It looks like half her neck is missing.

She is acting well - she was pecking around when I found her. Brought her in, saline washed the wound - don't have epsom salt, so used some kosher salt water and flushed the wound then dried it slowly with a hair dryer. Sprayed some Vetricyn on the wound and put a light coating of triple antibiotic on the wound.

Made her a scrambled eggs and she ate 1/2 of it. Monitoring her on a camera. She settled in and is now resting. She does not appear to be in shock. I do have some tyslon and also a bunch of fish antibiotics, but no fish mox. I can go out in the morning and get whatever I need that doesn't require a vet - they are not open on Sun.

Anything else I can/should be doing? I will get an inventory of what I have for fish and post soon.

 

[Chicken poppy]

Im so sorry for your hen. Thats a nasty wound!

Im not an expert, but heres a little of what i know that could be useful on determining what could have got her.

Did anyone make a high pitched noise atleast once? Its like a screech. Thats usually what they do when they see something like a hawk, especially when flying overhead.

I think i have ONLY heard mine do it with birds, and a few people said it was specifically for birds. Though keep in mind this might be slightly different for yours.


I feel like a hawk is a more rational thinking. The fox attacks i have seen are rough looking, many feathers loose, they usually squabble so i don’t think that would be the only wound. I know hawks grab the back area, but still.

 

[MarlaMac]

Here is what I have in fish antibiotics. I also have some fungal meds, but didn't think them relevant. None have amoxicillin as the active ingredient - names pretty much state the active ingredient. Paraguard is aldehyde.

 

[MarlaMac]

Im so sorry for your hen. Thats a nasty wound!

Im not an expert, but heres a little of what i know that could be useful on determining what could have got her.

Did anyone make a high pitched noise atleast once? Its like a screech. Thats usually what they do when they see something like a hawk, especially when flying overhead.

I think i have ONLY heard mine do it with birds, and a few people said it was specifically for birds. Though keep in mind this might be slightly different for yours.


I feel like a hawk is a more rational thinking. The fox attacks i have seen are rough looking, many feathers loose, they usually squabble so i don’t think that would be the only wound. I know hawks grab the back area, but still.

Thank you. My husband scared a hawk away this after noon. We thought the same thing about any mammal attack. Hoping she will be okay. I need to check everyone out tomorrow morning and make sure no one else has any wounds. Rooster may have fought off the attack, but this hen likes to wander off by herself a lot.

 

[MarlaMac]

One other thing...she is making a clicking sound - like tapping her beak together. Not always, but when I reach into the cage to put food/water in or take it out.

 

[Chicken poppy]

One other thing...she is making a clicking sound - like tapping her beak together. Not always, but when I reach into the cage to put food/water in or take it out.

My chickens did that when they had a respiratory problem. Does it sound like a cluck, or a very very faint click?

Im assuming taking her to a vet is not a option?

 

[MarlaMac]

My chickens did that when they had a respiratory problem. Does it sound like a cluck, or a very very faint click?

Im assuming taking her to a vet is not a option?

It is no a cluck. More like a tick, tick, tic. My vet just changed owners and I don't know if they treat chickens. There is a farm vet in a town close to me, but I don't know if they treat chickens either. Being late Saturday, I can't even call to ask anyone.

 

[Chicken poppy]

It is no a cluck. More like a tick, tick, tic. My vet just changed owners and I don't know if they treat chickens. There is a farm vet in a town close to me, but I don't know if they treat chickens either. Being late Saturday, I can't even call to ask anyone.

its worth checking out. If she survives til some open and she seems to be getting worse, i would personally call.

However, some people are marvelous at treating chicken wounds, i just think if your in a position to go to a vet and their available, do it.

 

[Chicken poppy]

i’ll tag a few people that will be able to help more then me.

@casportpony

@Kiki

@Wyorp Rock

I hope she feels better soon

 

[MarlaMac]

i’ll tag a few people that will be able to help more then me.

@casportpony

@Kiki

@Wyorp Rock

I hope she feels better soon

Thanks.