So, I have an interesting situation. About 4 weeks ago, I went outside to check on my chickens to find 2 hawks in the pen with them. I had no idea what to do, but as I ran toward the pen I spooked them and they flew away-with my favorite silkie, Mabel in one of their talons. She's the youngest and smallest, so it didn't surprise me. All the other chickens were huddled in the corner and looked untouched. For some reason, the hawk dropped Mabel in a field near the coop and I ran out and got her. She was laying on her side in a puddle of blood, COMPLETELY cut open down to her meat with holes in her neck from the talons. Her leg was hanging off as well. I thought for sure she was dead but then I heard her making wheezing sounds so I ran inside with her and my dad ended up taking to her to a friend that is very knowledgeable about animals. She cleaned her up, got her antibiotics from a vet and bandaged her. She pretty much told me that there wasn't much hope for her, but she would try her best to take care of her with the help of a vet. I have been getting daily updates since, and the other day I got a call from her. She said, "You wouldn't believe this, but she's WALKING!!" Looks like I've got a miracle chicken! I'm very happy that she's doing well, but unfortunately there's no way for her to go back to being 100% and I was told she won't be able to be with other chickens and can't be left in cold temperatures. She's still very small after all this time and that worries me. So basically what I'm wondering is what now? Anyone have any ideas on what I could do? And also what to do about not being able to put her with other chickens? I'm getting her back in a few days and I have no idea where I'm going to put her. Thanks so much to anyone who has any suggestions.
I think options might include: Rehoming her to a place you know would give her good treatment Turn her into a pet chicken. I hear silkies are good pets Build her a separate shelter where she can be near but not actually mingle with her chicken friends Hope you find a good solution.
redsox has given you some sound advice. This link may help a little if you do decide to re-integrate her into your existing flock. https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/reintegrating-a-recovered-hen-to-a-small-flock Even a dog crate, used in the manner redsox suggests, would do the job in terms of a "see, but no touch" approach - https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-see-but-don-t-touch-method Good luck and let us know how it goes
Thank you both! I'll look into those articles. I'd really like to keep her if possible, so hopefully when I get her back I can find a way to make it work.
