I'm a chicken killer...so sad...

[Colored Egg Farmer]

This works best when really dark. Take your flashlight and try to find her. Keep quiet. As soon as you find the chicken turn the light off. Sneak up and catch here. Sorry doesn't work in in a tree.

 

[chilisweet]

We caught her! She was hanging out underneath some vines and we managed to herd her towards an open space. It took a few tries, but we finally snagged her. She freaked out at first, but as soon as I put my hands on her, she relaxed. She almost looked asleep when we carried her back to the house. It isn't bedtime, but she went right into the coop and is on the perch asleep. She has had a most exhausting day!

So, now I am wondering if I should treat her for stress and scratches from the vines? I do have some tetracyclin antibotics that I can add to her water, but I'm not sure if that is needed? Any suggestions there?

Also, I got quite a few scratches from her feet. Do I need to do anything special to them other than wash them and put neosporin on them? Chicken feet aren't like cat feet right? Like carrying weird germs and such?


Thank you all for your help! I will post pictures of her and her roommate tomorrow after things have quieted down a bit!

~CAran

 

[DDRanch]

Well I am so happy she is home. Good job. I personally would leave her alone tonight and just let her rest. She has indeed been though a lot today...sounds like you all have.

As for your scratches, wash well with antibiotic soap or any soap, warm water and neosporin or aloe vera plant. You will be fine. No, chicken feet are not like cat claws, BUT they do run around in their own waste so you will want to treat as with any wound.

Anne

 

[dixiechick]

glad your little lady is home, safe and sound.....

 

[sweetshoplady]

Glad you got your new lady back home. Looking forward to seeing your new ladies pics!

 

[JennsPeeps]

Congrats on catching her! I know exactly how you feel losing her. When I got my 1st cat in college, I dropped him on the way home (I was on a bike & had no car). He got under some bushes. Like your situation, he wouldn't come near me and I was frantic. I was SO relieved when I finally caught the poor scared guy.

I wouldn't give her antibiotics until you see proof of an infection.

R&R should be what she gets.

 

[chilisweet]

Here is Dora the Explorer! with her cell mate Boots:

I think after all this we are going to sell Dora. She's just not what we were expecting...I want a chicken I can hold, and she just cowers in the corner!

~Caran

 

[SpottedCrow]

You've only had them for a few days, so I'd keep picking her up and petting her...and give treats and talk to her while you do it and she'll learn that you are the God/dess of treats and that's a good thing.

 

[Aneesa's Muse]

I'm so glad you caught her!

I agree with Spotted Crow, too ..give her a few days. Mine were pretty stand'off'ish with me at first, but have since become serious lap chickens! Of course, treats help with this scenario ..they like meal worms, bugs in general ..Ben likes cheese and will "dance pretty" for a little sliver ...they all LOVE spaghetti, with or without sauce ..and so on!

Yes, my chickens are spoiled!

Give Dora some time ...she'll come around for you

 

[DDRanch]

I found that when I was taming my EE hen, I would visit the coop at night, just after they settled down, and pick her up, hold her and talk softly. During the day, I would sit with all the girls quietly and offer treats, (pasta is a favorite) letting the EE come to me. She is quite affectionate now, but it took a little time. And it was well worth it.

Think of all that has happened to your sweet Dora in a very short period of time. Probably not surprising she is cowering in the corner. Once she begins to feel safe, and gets to know you, and her new home, I would think she will be more responsive to you. And you will get the most beautiful blue eggs from her.

Anne