How to Prevent Death from Fright?

[CutieChicken]

So I lost a silkie to a bobcat today. The bobcat didn’t actually kill the silkie, but it’s definitely responsible. My chickens are in a big secure run that looks like Fort Knox. However, the bobcat ran around the pen and scared everyone. One of my silkies then went inside the coop and died. It was 103 degrees outside today, so she either overheated after running around or died of fright. I can’t believe we built such a secure run and have still lost a chicken to a predatorIs there anything I can do to keep them from being scared to death in the future? Would putting in climbing structures so they can be elevated when they get scared help? Otherwise, I’m not sure what to do.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

She likely died from heat being the main factor,and the stress added on,difficult to deal with both at the same time.Birds shouldn’t be stressed under bad heat conditions such as these.No,chickens don’t get scared to death (although I have heard of very elderly chickens having heart attacks from being to scared)it’s rare.They were made to nervous and very watchful so.

 

[CutieChicken]

Thank you. I believe you’re right. I just panicked. I had read that chickens are easily scared to death, and I was afraid that the bobcat would just keep running around my chickens and killing them off one by one through sheer terror. However, I’ll take steps to make sure they stay cool on the hot days. The bobcat has been back, but there have been no further fatalities, just some clucking and wing flapping. Thanks for your help!

 

[Peppercorngal]

You need to load your shotgun with rocksalt and show that bobcat who is boss! Scare it away ASAP! It will eventually find a way into your run and get your chickens.

 

[Folly's place]

Electric poultry fencing, or an electric fence, further from your run, will keep your kitty out of the way.
Mary

 

[snow5164]

I would allow hiding spots for the silkies , a crate we have ole nesting boxes on the ground , a perch for the others to jump on would be a nice escape for the other birds .... we both know that all chickens are well chickens ... but I’m sure with the heat she just didn’t stand a chance .... I agree though that an electric wire or two are a good idea ..bobcats are no joke

 

[Folly's place]

I had a few Silkies long ago, and didn't realize how fragile they were. I lost at least one in summer to heat issues, and others to predation, and none lived to be old. Mostly my fault, being uninformed, but I never replaced them.
Many people have Silkies in their own coop, rather than with big birds.
Mary

 

[snow5164]

Yes, my silkies have their own coop and run. They were getting picked on and I’d already lost one because the rooster wouldn’t leave her alone, I’m not kidding he came and within a week she wouldn’t go eat or turn her back on him ...... I’m sure she died from stress

 

[SimplyLivinthatFarmLife]

Yes, my silkies have their own coop and run. They were getting picked on and I’d already lost one because the rooster wouldn’t leave her alone, I’m not kidding he came and within a week she wouldn’t go eat or turn her back on him ...... I’m sure she died from stress

Oh nooo...no fun! So sorry for your loss.

 

[SimplyLivinthatFarmLife]

So sorry for your loss. I vote electric fence and hiding places for your girls.