Hen attacked, likely raccoon, disease concerns?

[kesrchicky16]

We have been losses. Seen raccoons snacking on the feed pellets. We are dealing with the predator as we feel appropriate. Now for my concern.

Came home to find a very nervous flock of ducks with 1 chicken in the outermost evening pen. (Free range day only) The rest if the chickens were not overly happy but on their roosts. I noticed the "lost" chicken seemed to be limping and the ducks were "reporting" of a "scary". We picked her up and didn't see any blood or broken skin but she was definitely hurting. I put her in coop and encouraged the ducks to follow her.

What diseases can chickens get from predators? Should I worry about her/ her eggs / the other birds from this attack or just continue with preditor deterring, removal, and protecting?

 

[dfalco]

You might want to separate her from others until more is known about what is wrong with her, and to give her space to heal.

 

[Rickba]

You might want to separate her from others until more is known about what is wrong with her, and to give her space to heal.

I agree with d. Raccoons are really bad with carrying rabies. If you see the raccoon in the day time that's sure sign it's sick. raccoons are a night time predator. Isolate your chicken for a while and perhaps get some anti-biotic like 'Tetracycline' and add it to her water for a few days. Do yourself a favor and dispatch the raccoon. Even if it's not sick it will soon bring it's friends and family to dine on your buffet.

 

[kesrchicky16]

I dont think the coons are sick. We've only seen them around dusk and in the trap. I actually think the one taking the birds is only here because we killed the ones that were more local. I know it will be a never ending battle but fortunately the other farmers in the area are trapping and killing too. I will separate her today.
What are the signs of rabies in chickens? I thought that was a mammal only disease

 

[TalkALittle]

Birds can't carry or transmit rabies. Touching fresh saliva in a fresh wound should be avoided so wear gloves if tending to a wounded bird.

Coons out in the daytime does not automatically mean they are sick.

 

[Rickba]

Chickens 'CAN' get rabies. They can't transmit it. I 'ALWAYS' err on the side of caution then just hope things will be OK. If one animal sustains a wound from another it is always prudent to assume the worst and care for your animals welfare. If you don't want to be bothered, you shouldn't have chickens. It's true that seeing a raccoon in the daytime doesn't mean it has rabies or any other illness, but it is odd behavior for a raccoon. Again, err on the side of caution and be safe.