cottonwallaby
In the Brooder
- Aug 30, 2015
- 17
- 0
- 22
Hello
Yesterday afternoon while my hens were out free ranging, the neighbour's dogs got out and got hold of one of them and pinned her down. She survived but lost a lot of feathers, there were piles of them and was limp and stunned. I took her to the vet, who couldn't find any obvious injuries apart from cuts to her leg and wings that weren't bleeding significantly. He suggested keeping her alone indoors overnight, which I have done. This morning, she seems less in shock than she was last night. Her breathing has settled down and I've given her yoghurt, oats with syrup and sunflower seeds to give her some energy and protein. She still seems tender and is moving about slowly, but is eating and drinking and reacting to things.
My question is - do I keep her indoors on her own for longer to let her recouperate, or would she be better being back with the flock as soon as possible? She's not used to being indoors and I am worried the unfamiliar place might be a stress in itself, but the lack of stimulation might help her recover. I am worried she will lose her spot in the pecking order if she's out too long, or get pecked if I put her back in too soon. We've had her since she was a chick, so she is well established out there. Is there anything else I can do for her?
Yesterday afternoon while my hens were out free ranging, the neighbour's dogs got out and got hold of one of them and pinned her down. She survived but lost a lot of feathers, there were piles of them and was limp and stunned. I took her to the vet, who couldn't find any obvious injuries apart from cuts to her leg and wings that weren't bleeding significantly. He suggested keeping her alone indoors overnight, which I have done. This morning, she seems less in shock than she was last night. Her breathing has settled down and I've given her yoghurt, oats with syrup and sunflower seeds to give her some energy and protein. She still seems tender and is moving about slowly, but is eating and drinking and reacting to things.
My question is - do I keep her indoors on her own for longer to let her recouperate, or would she be better being back with the flock as soon as possible? She's not used to being indoors and I am worried the unfamiliar place might be a stress in itself, but the lack of stimulation might help her recover. I am worried she will lose her spot in the pecking order if she's out too long, or get pecked if I put her back in too soon. We've had her since she was a chick, so she is well established out there. Is there anything else I can do for her?
