How Long?

[LilBeauPeep]

My injured 5 month old hen isn't eating. (Day 3)

How long can she go? What do I need to do?

 

[Eggcessive]

How was she injured? Chickens can be in shock after an injury, but internal injuries may cause them ot to eat. First you want to make sure that she gets hydrated by giving some water with vitamins and electrolytes, before giving her food. Offer some chopped egg, or raw egg mixed into some buttermilk and bread crumbs, chopped tuna or salmon, and wetting her feed may make it more appealing. Tube feeding may also be done to help a very sick bird. Here is a good link to help with that: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/805728/go-team-tube-feeding

 

[lizsmall99]

When birds are sick, they tend to freak out. Sometimes even other birds in the flock will stop eating too! When my chick got attacked by an older hen on the neck and almost died, I fed him oatmeal with peanut butter everyday. He loved it, but some chickens just don't like sticky treats. If it's hot out, give her some watermelon. There are natural vitamins in there that will help her feel better, but be sure to cut them up into smaller bits so she doesn't need to work too hard.

Good luck and I hope that your hen feels better soon!

 

[LilBeauPeep]

Day 4

To answer your question, she was snatched up by a wolf dog and shook violently. We lost our roo in the attack. She's suffered a broken leg with no puncture wounds or reason to suspect other wounds.

I brought her outside to a quiet lawn with a gentle sister and she ate a few live meal worms. She seems to be more lively outside and more confidant to eat/drink in the company of her flockmates. Still not much actually consumed

Keeping hydrated ♡

 

[lizsmall99]

I'm glad that she is interested in her flock mates! Hopefully she will see them eating and shake out of it. I would still keep a careful watch on her though, hens can kill other hens who seem hurt.
You know what they say, "You can lead a horse to water, but can't make them drink"

If you are desperately trying to save your bird, which I assume you are, I would take her in to the vet. I tried looking for some places near Hemet, CA that take in chickens, but didn't find any in particular. I have a wonderful vet up North who I trust and won't judge what we are willing to do for our hens. She has them too and understands how addicting chickens can be!

Good Luck!

 

[LilBeauPeep]

We had to drive out of town to have her seen, but they splinted her and instructed us to bring her out for snacks until the aggressive hen realizes she's not leaving and inspects her without harm. Well yesterday I had to replace their old coop. ..when I did I brought Henrietta out to see. The aggressive hen seemed so interested in the new layout she hasn't paid Henrietta any attention. We left Henrietta in the run last night. This mourning I brought the girls eggs and toast and everyone enjoyed breakfast together. I do hope they don't get aggressive again, but they seem well. Going to spend lots of time outside today. I still need to give Henrietta fluids every hour to be safe because I'm not sure how often she's drinking and it's VERY HOT here.

 

[lizsmall99]

Yay! I'm glad Henrietta is doing better and that your other hens don't show that much interest in her. If Henrietta is dehydrated (look at her poop) and isn't drinking nearly enough, put electrolytes in the water. I would also suggest getting watermelon for them too. They're natural electrolytes in it and it gives the hens something to do that isn't picking on poor Henrietta.

Good luck and I wish you the best of luck! Keep us updated!