Last chicken

[Arlenek1985]

Hi I had 4 chickens until last Tuesday when they were attacked by a pine Martin. 2 died the day of the attack and on died almost a week later. The chicken I have remaining was perfectly fine and I had no concerns regarding her health until today. She will not stand up. She is eating and drinking and is alert. Could this behavioural due to missing her flock?
Any tips or advice I would appreciate.

 

[Meg-in-MT]

Welcome to BYC. I'm sorry it's under such circumstances. Someone will be along to help you out.

 

[MomJones]

Hi I had 4 chickens until last Tuesday when they were attacked by a pine Martin. 2 died the day of the attack and on died almost a week later. The chicken I have remaining was perfectly fine and I had no concerns regarding her health until today. She will not stand up. She is eating and drinking and is alert. Could this behavioural due to missing her flock?
Any tips or advice I would appreciate.

I'm very sorry to hear about the Pine Marten (related to weasels and ferrets), got some questions for you for clarification:
1. Two chickens died the day of and one died several days later--was it from injuries sustained during the attack?
2. Also have you tried to handle your surviving chicken and see how she reacts--lethargic, angry, non-responsive?
3. How did the Pine Marten get in?

 

[Arlenek1985]

I took the chicken to the vet which died 2 days ago.. They could see nothing majorly concerning. They stitched up 1 small piercing. I think the chicken may have died from stress.
The pine Martin came over the fence into the enclosure. I am now in the process of completely securing the area. The remaining chicken is very alert and as I said in the post eating and drinking and even laying eggs daily since. I had her in the garage in a large dog crate until the area is secured off. She is now in the house in the crate. I was planning on letting her free range when I was there to supervise but now that she won't stand that plan is off.

 

[CindyinSD]

You must be in a warm place if you’re planning supervised free ranging. Why not take her out into the sunshine and just sit with her? Maybe she’ll perk up. Advertise for a companion hen for her. There’s usually someone with an older hen they’d like to find a forever home for.

 

[Arlenek1985]

You must be in a warm place if you’re planning supervised free ranging. Why not take her out into the sunshine and just sit with her? Maybe she’ll perk up. Advertise for a companion hen for her. There’s usually someone with an older hen they’d like to find a forever home for.

Do you think it's just her grieving her flock then? I'm planning on rescuing some hens later this week for her

 

[MomJones]

Personally I think it's very possible she could be grieving. Dogs grieve, I've seen our mama cat go into actual depression after losing her babies, so why not chickens? They feel curiosity, they show affection, so why not sadness especially when she's lost her entire "family". Is she getting a nutrient dense diet for a few days or maybe extra protein and fruit until she gets through this hard time? So sad for her...

 

[CindyinSD]

Do you think it's just her grieving her flock then? I'm planning on rescuing some hens later this week for her

Could be. At any rate, she needs a friend so no harm in trying. I hope it works—let us know, please.

 

[Orus]

Hi Arlene, So sorry to hear about the pine marten attack on your flock. How is your remaining gal doing today. Any luck with finding her a new friend. Is she standing yet?

 

[Arlenek1985]

I got her a friend today. The rescue I went to lent me a support chair for the hen. So hopefully with some physio she will get on her feet.