How do I help my very scared chickens that were attacked?

[bbecca]

I had some of my chickens killed the other night. My older 1 1/2 yr old chickens were unharmed but they're laying half of what they used to. The ones I'm more concerned about are about 20 weeks old. I had 8 but only have 2 left. They refuse to leave the coop and are hiding on the roost huddled together or laying on the floor in the corner. They've been doing this for 3 days now. They have been integrated with the bigger ones for weeks now but they all still don't get along very well and now that they don't have the numbers on their side I'm worried about them. Should I get some other pullets around same age to replace the ones I lost or will it be even more shocking for them?
They were getting close to age of laying and I really wanted to see eggs this summer, so I need to replace the ones I lost soon. But want to know the easiest less stressful route to go. Get pullets the same size, start with day old chicks again, and do I need to wait a few weeks or ok to do it right away? Thanks in advance!

 

[Pork Pie]

Personally, I'd be inclined to leave things as they are. The remaining flock is already in shock / stressed by the attack so adding more birds will only add to this.

My flock will refuse to return to an area of the garden where attempted attacks from hawks have occurred and this can last for 3-4 weeks.

Ensuring that your young birds can have access to water and food is essential. If that means dividing the run for a while, it something worth considering.

 

[lazy gardener]

Agreed with Ken. I had a coon get into a coop many years ago and kill all but 3 of my leghorn hens. Those 3 birds were never the same again. Refused to go in the coop, and took to roosting in the trees. Give your birds time. That the coop is secure, and the murders did not happen in the coop is a good thing. Hopefully with time, they will get over it. Did you dispatch the culprit, and what was it? If not, that's your first step, as well as ensuring that your set up is as predator proof as you can make it.

 

[bbecca]

Personally, I'd be inclined to leave things as they are. The remaining flock is already in shock / stressed by the attack so adding more birds will only add to this.

My flock will refuse to return to an area of the garden where attempted attacks from hawks have occurred and this can last for 3-4 weeks.

Ensuring that your young birds can have access to water and food is essential. If that means dividing the run for a while, it something worth considering.

They have their own food and water access in the coop. I have left the cage they grew up in inside with door opened enough appropriate for their size they can still run in and hide or eat in peace away from other chickens. I think I'll listen to your advice and wait a few weeks atleast and see how they're all doing. Thanks!

 

[bbecca]

Agreed with Ken. I had a coon get into a coop many years ago and kill all but 3 of my leghorn hens. Those 3 birds were never the same again. Refused to go in the coop, and took to roosting in the trees. Give your birds time. That the coop is secure, and the murders did not happen in the coop is a good thing. Hopefully with time, they will get over it. Did you dispatch the culprit, and what was it? If not, that's your first step, as well as ensuring that your set up is as predator proof as you can make it.

I repaired and reinforced all of the run, whole thing. We have not caught culprit yet. Put a trail cam out there and haven't seen anything yet. My son thought he saw a coyote during the day in nearby field yesterday and my dog went ballistic right at same time. But I didn't see it. Dogs been going crazy a few times a day since attack. Think whatever it is is trying to come back for more. We'd set a trap but afraid our own dog or neighbors dog will get caught in it.....

 

[barn206]

Sorry about your chickens bbecca. I'm a new starter and have been building my coop which has been taking far too long because of the weather and lack of help. However the other day I saw a huge hawk fly off a tree 20 ft. from me and land in brush to get a chipmunk possibly. I'm realizing how vulnerable my chickens are as well as my dog. All the leaves are filled in and now I can't see that far/ easily. My coop is built like a house but now I might have to invest in a steel run just to be safe. I'm now aware, reading posts and seeing with my own eyes.. just how fast these predators are!!! Again sorry to hear that news.