Hen Blind and Not Eating On Own After Coyote Attack--Advice?

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Just wanted to share my experience with a blind hen, though it’s a bit different. Around two years ago, one of my EE hens started gradually losing her sight. I think it was/is cataracts. She was able to get around okay, but eventually started running into things, and not being able to get on the roost at night. She started getting picked on so I had to separate her with a friend who wouldn’t pick on her. She does get along just fine with her friend now and has no trouble finding food and water as long as they’re in the same place every day. She lives in a small area so that she can get around and not get lost. It’s a little different than your hen because mine lost her sight gradually and yours it was all of a sudden. But there is hope for your hen. Mine has now lived two full and happy years without her sight. Yours is probably still in shock a little bit, she’s in a new area and it’s a lot for her to take in. My hen has learned that when I hold my hand out in front of her, it means there’s food. I started teaching her this with mulberries which she really loves, and now she just pecks at my hand whenever I hold it out in front of her. It’s just a matter of finding out what works for your hen, and since it is an injury there is hope that she can recover.
 
The pics give a pretty good idea of the extreme trauma this sweet hen endured. Were she a human, she would be in ICU, in a medically induced coma, connected to machines, and once awake, would be put into intensive psychiatric care. And the entire healing process would take an extensive period of time. So, the fact that this sweet hen has made it as far as she has in a mere 10 days is nothing short of miraculous. If this doesn't demonstrate will to live, what does?

I would take her in a heartbeat. If you are anywhere near Madison (Huntsville), AL, let me know. I have rehabilitated incredibly advanced and complex cases that were considered beyond hope. Animals are incredibly resilient. I have a senior dog who turned blind. With a bit of guidance, she learned to navigate her new normal, now knows the entire backyard flawlessly, and makes it back inside with no help whatsoever, finds her water and food with zero guidance. I just keep everything the exact same for her. I wish you and the hen the very best and perhaps this is too much for my heart, mind and soul because I would pull out all the stops and never give up. I suppose the early mention of euthanasia has been a trigger for me...
 
Gezellige_Poes said:
Gosh, she's been through the most nightmarish event ever, and witnessed her BFF slaughtered right in front of her. Plus, as mentioned, new surroundings not of her choosing. Really, how well do you expect her to be doing? All things considered, she's doing remarkably well and in a very short time to boot. She may be sore in and around her mouth, it may be painful to touch her beak to anything at the moment. She did suffer severe trauma to her head, and you may not be aware of everything that is bruised you cannot see. I would offer her pureed and softened foods, feed watered down, softly scrambled eggs, continue with the electrolytes. She appears to have a will to live and is trying to show you she is trying to improve. Please don't give up on her.
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What about something for pain or inflammation . . . could something be added to the water for that?
 

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