- Apr 13, 2009
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A varmint got into my hen house last night and got one of my chickens, but didn't kill it outright. As soon as I heard the commotion I was out the door and the critter was over the fence. I thought it had taken the hen, but I doubly secured the door and later heard chicken squawking again. The critter had come back, and unbeknownst to me, the missing hen was still there, hidden away at the back of the coop, and my flashlight missed it. Twice. Third time I heard a squawk I was out the door in a flash (I didn't get much sleep last night), and this time I found the hen, her head lolling, feathers missing from her behind, and wheezing awfully. No wonder, poor girl! She'd been attacked three times. I feel awful for not having seen her with my flashlight beam earlier. I think the varmint was a raccoon, btw, because I had plastic eggs in the outdoor nest box and they were taken apart. I don't know any other critter that dexterous--or that persistent.
Anyway, I took the hen into the house, treated her homeopathically with Carbo Vegitalis 30C and followed it with Arnica 30C. She revived a little, and later on I gave her Aconite 30C, which I probably should have given her for the shock first. I wasn't thinking well. She occasionally lifts her head and looks around, but basically isn't eating or drinking. I'd like to save this hen if I can. I can give her water with a dropper, but I'm not sure how to get her to eat, or what to feed her.
I'd appreciate any suggestions or experience.
Anyway, I took the hen into the house, treated her homeopathically with Carbo Vegitalis 30C and followed it with Arnica 30C. She revived a little, and later on I gave her Aconite 30C, which I probably should have given her for the shock first. I wasn't thinking well. She occasionally lifts her head and looks around, but basically isn't eating or drinking. I'd like to save this hen if I can. I can give her water with a dropper, but I'm not sure how to get her to eat, or what to feed her.
I'd appreciate any suggestions or experience.
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