horrible tragedy

[Windy Ridge]

If she has open wounds, you can clean them out with saline--definitely keep her warm and quiet. I would personally use antibiotics simply because I had a survivor once that died about two weeks later of some systemic infection. (She wasn't even that shaken up from the attack.) Others probably wouldn't use antibiotics in this situation. It's up to you.

Poor little thing. They can recuperate from a lot, though. If she is eating, drinking and pooing, that is a good sign. If you have the means to take her to the vet, it probably wouldn't be a bad idea. Is she terribly wounded or did she just get scratched up and scared? Some people would add electrolytes to the water; I would probably do that if I thought she had bled a lot. With a scratch I may not unless I didn't think she was drinking very much. Again, this is a judgment thing.

Be careful to get the right dosage measured out if you use some. If you put too much in the water, it's worse than none at all. You can also use pedialyte in a pinch.

 

[bluebirdfarm]

concrete flooring would be a good idea.
srry for your loss , hope you will order more !

 

[gumpsgirl]

I really hate that for you. How heart breaking.

I would suggest that you put a floor in the coop and then by all means, order some more babies! They will help you feel better.

 

[MagsC]

Thats terrible, I am SO sorry it happened to you!
I wouldnt give up on chickens though, since you obviously enjoyed having them. Just make sure the coop is like Ft. Knox....

 

[peapickinchicks]

Awww! So sorry farmergal for your loss I know how you feel I had 3 week olds ( 10 Americanas, 12 Cuckoo Marans, and 1 Cornish ) that my neighbors hunting Beagle killed all but one Maran. It left my poor little darlings scattered all over my yard I was devastated. Bless your little heart.

,:aww

 

[Solsken Farm]

Oh I am so sorry. How terrbily sad for you and your chicks. It is certainly my worst fear.

We lost our three beloved cats silently overnight, all within a week's time, to a fisher, we think. Two of them we have had since kittens for 15 years. The thought of what our sweethearts endured was horrible. The thought of getting new kitties just doesn't appeal to us right now.

I hope you can figure out a way to secure your coop so you can get more babies.

 

[skyfires]

I'm sorry,,,and feel your loss,,,yes,,,you must work on fixing the problem and starting a new flock. Don't let that fox win,,,,You'll love your next flock just as much,,,

 

[amyquilt]

 

[farmergal]

thanks for all the support! I've been talking to my family about the loss, and they're really supportive, but they don't keep chickens so they don't really understand just how attached you can get to the silly, wonderful birds in a short 4 weeks... it's so comforting to hear from others who have been through similar things. I like the advice: I'm going to make my coop into fort knox!! maybe with electric fence, and try, try again...

still crying... when will this stop?!
Lynda

 

[debilorrah]

I am so sorry for all your babies. The one thing we have that keeps predators out is a big dog. Dumb as a stump, but he chases anything that comes in the yard. Rooster protects the hens, but the dog protects them all.