Looking for thoughts on attack.

[caseybloo]

Went to town Saturday, between 2p and 5p, Border Collie was in house. When I got home, I found a pile of feathers in front, fenced in yard(more decorative than functional). Tracked feathers(w/7mm in hand) 100 yds down hill to stream where I found rooster alive. Sat by rooster for a while waiting on fox/coyote to come back but it did not. Took roo back to house and put in large crate that I use for chicks with food and water. Roo is eating, drinking, getting stronger and trying to stand but I think he has broken or damaged wing, which I assume really affects his balance. Question 1...Will he ever be able to return to general population or will he be picked on to death. 2...Today, another rooster was crossing the yard, clucking, and got my dog's attention and she didn't really look at rooster but into the woods behind him. Being a Border Collie, do you think she actually protects the flock?? And wondering what may have happened Saturday, if she had been outside while I was gone?? Any thoughts, ideas, stories are greatly appreciated on the subject. Thanx

 

[BriskRooster]

we have taken one of our hens away from the flock for a month because she had a broken tendon, we put her back in the pen after she was healed under supervision and she just went straight back into the order! she wasn't pecked or anything by the others, but it could be a different deal with roosters.

good luck!

 

[iwiw60]

Glad to hear that your roo is still alive. The more important questions are .... how did this happen? Did you allow your chickens to run loose?

 

[centrarchid]

Likely fox attack. Numerous bites delivered to birds back and possibly neck. Nerve damage typically results but chickens seem better than us at recouping function. Once you get bird past shock you must be on your toes for infection. Keep in cool and look to see severity of punctures. I have come to conclusion the immediate start of using antibiotics in water greatly increases chances of survival. High death risk will be over next several days from septicemia.

Fox will likely be back.

 

[caseybloo]

My chickens are free range and locked in coop at night and for three days after this attack. I understand that this is something that can happen especially way out in the country. This is why I have 24 eggs in incubator right now. Foxes are usually only a problem this time of year, hunting for young ones. Hawk attacks aren't too common right around the house and I believe the dog is protective, she investigates every commotion, i.e. when rooster mounts hen, dog will break it up if she gets there quick enough. I've lost chickens before and have also shot a fox or two. My main concern is roos ability to survive in the flock. Time will tell if I fatten him up and put him on the table.