Lost my frst chicken yesterday and nursing another back to health... Not sure what is wrong with her

[TristaLou]

Yesterday I was letting my chickens free range and they ventured too far towards the back where our caged dogs could see them. One dog got out and some how quietly took off with the first one, killed it and then got another, that we did hear. I went running to round up the others while my husband took chase after the dog. He managed to get the dog to let go and it dropped the chicken. I went to the back to retrieve the chicken and found the one dead one right beside the other who Thank God was alive. I picked up the alive one who was not moving and have now placed her in a tub by herself with a towel and her own food and water. There for awhile yesterday she would not move or make an effort to move, but last night before I went to bed I checked her and she had moved a little ways... kind of scooted from the looks of it and actually ate some food. I have not noticed her drinking anything though... She has no wounds from what I can tell... But her back looks a little weird. I have not gotten to checking her legs though... Just too scared to lift her up again for fear that I might hurt her. I will take her to my dad at some point today to have him check her out. He raised chickens all his life basically so he might give me some help, but any advice would be great...


Rest in Peace my Dear Bride of Frankenstein...

You know I got into chickens thinking that I would not mourn them so much, because their just chickens, but that is not the case at all. You really do get attached to these lovely birds and the loss of my Frankie hurts more than I could have ever thought. Frankie was the only one I even took the time to name and was my favorite...

 

[TwoCrows]

I am so sorry for your loss.

I have never lost any chickens to dogs or any predators, but I do know that bites can be fatal from infection of the bite. Maybe someone will chime in here and give you some advice.

Welcome to BYC! Again I am sorry for your loss.

 

[KFaye]

I am so sorry for your loss. I too lost 4 chickens to one of my dogs. Well she found a new home! It made me so mad! I agree, chickens? Really? for goodness sakes how can you get attached to a chicken? Ok so yes, I had an ill hen thiss weekend and brought her to Mother's day lunch at my mothers so I could keep trying to feed her and give her antibiotics. Yes, I drove with her in the car to another state. I can't imagine what the people at the toll booths were thinking! Your sweet girl was beautiful. Again so sorry for your loss.

 

[TristaLou]

Thank you so much for the Welcome Two Crows. Amazing you haven't lost any chickens! I do hope you keep the good luck and do not ever loose any.

K Faye I am so glad that you understand. lol. That is one thing I love about this site so far. I love that everyone else loves thier chickens so much so that I know I am not alone. I totally get the wanting to take your chicken with you. I want to bring my surviving chicken inside so bad, but hubby is not letting me... He just doesn't get it... Well maybe one of these days he will...

 

[KFaye]

My girl was in the house the night before...luckily the husband was out of town. Ha

 

[TristaLou]

UPDATE on surviving chicken!! She is getting better!! I have seen her eat and drink. And I also have seen her standing!! She is trying to walk even. She uses her wings a lot to balance herself, but overall giving a valiant effort. I even put her outside in the grass for a bit to let her do what little bit of foraging she could. I think she really enjoyed that. I let the other chickens join her and they are a little mean. They peck at her and I have to step in to protect her. I was hoping by letting her join them they would kind of be okay with her and the transition back to the flock wouldn't be so bad when she gets better. Hopefully it helps that transition some... But I am so excited that she is doing well. She must be just a little sore is all....

 

[TristaLou]

I think I should just sneak her in.

 

[leadwolf1]

I know that I would bring her in

My husband has given up on keeping sick critters out of the house. She needs to have a quiet, warm and safe place to recover. Good luck...sounds like she is well on her way

 

[TwoCrows]

If you could add some heat to her, even if you put her in the garage in a large dog crate. I know it is not that cold outside, but chickens can go into shock easily and get cold easily. Shock can kill them faster than the injuries. A brooder light with just a tiny bit of heat might help.

Good luck with your baby!

 

[Dawson55]

I just lost 15 of my flock of 18 yesterday by 2 neighbor dogs that had gotten on top of the coop and fell thru. They were trapped inside and were charging at the door when I went to open the door to let the 1 chicken back in that escaped. I didn't notice them at first because I was concentrating on keeping the escaped one in the area. Well we had to shoot the dogs and now we are getting the backlash because they were "just chickens". It turned out that there were 5 wounded that I brought home to take care of. I didn't really know what to do for them except keep them warm and dry... 3 died during the night. One hen is standing and took a piece of lettuce from my hand. She acts traumatized as she pecks at anything that touches her, which is understandable... The rooster just lays there blinking his eyes. I just don't know what to do for him.....