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How long after a predator attack can we expect to be egg-less?

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by jesirose, Jul 28, 2013.

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  1. Jul 28, 2013 #1
    jesirose

    jesirose Songster

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    I have two 1.5 year old hens that survived a predator attack. (We think a dog). One had a hurt eye which seems better now, the other was much worse off and still has a limp and can't fly, but both are eating and drinking, and moving around the yard. (They are now inside our 6.5 ft privacy fence)

    They both laid eggs the day after the attack, and the next day. But then nothing for the next two days. I know their systems go into shock and it might be a while - but are we looking at a few more days? weeks? months? Do I need to worry about them becoming egg-bound from not laying?

    They both laid amazingly their first year, probably 6 days a week we got an egg.

    These were the only two egg layers that survived the attack, and we won't have any pullets at POL until 3-4 months. We just sell our eggs to pay for the bird's feed, so it's not a huge deal, I'm just worried about them not laying if their health is in risk. Hope that made sense.


    Oh also they don't want to roost anymore, they only want to sleep on the ground. I'm not sure if that's because the one can't get up there, I guess the other one is staying with her?
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2013

  4. Jul 28, 2013 #2
    Kelsie2290

    Kelsie2290 Free Ranging Premium Member

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    Sorry about her girls, blasted dogs. I generally figure on 2-6 weeks after a bad shock or injury, but it can be longer. With the age they are, they could be about ready to go into molt also, so you may wind up with a combination of the two. Generally if they stop because of a stress incident they just start up again when they have recovered (physically and "emotionally"). I haven't had a problem like internal laying or egg binding etc show up a long time later that I would directly blame on something like this. But if they have been injured / bitten and that cause internal problems/injuries, they usually die or are euthanized within a few days because they go down hill fast. I don't know what you could do besides watch them and treat obvious injuries which you are doing anyhow. If one chicken can't get on the roost it doesn't surprise me the other stays with her, the flock mentality thing going on.
     
  6. Jul 28, 2013 #3
    Happy Chooks

    Happy Chooks Moderator Staff Member

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    It will probably be a week or two, unless the stress puts them into a molt, then it will be several months. If they go into a molt, you will see feathers everywhere. You do not need to worry about internal laying, stress like a predator attack will halt egg production. Internal laying is where the yolk is released, but falls into the abdomen, causing an infection.

    The hen with the limp probably cannot roost, so the other hen is joining her. They will go back to roosting when she is healed. Try to confine movement to enable the leg to heal. Limit any area where she needs to jump.
     
  8. Jul 28, 2013 #4
    jesirose

    jesirose Songster

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    Thanks guys!

    They have been recovering well, they seem better every day, so I think they will make it.
     

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