My chicken was attacked and one is missing

[50-45-1]

- Peach had a wound and missing feathers on her wing and down to her butt feathers. M

Dont spray blue cote on an open wound. It is to harsh. Use something healing and sticky like salve. Triple antbiotic cream or niesporin. This will keep the flys off.
You may have to put your hen in a separate cage while she heals as the other birds will peck at the wound.
Small chicken hawks are a threat to full grown chickens by the way. I had one that would kill a chicken a day. Eat a small amount and the birds were left to lay in the yard. Of course he could not move it.
free ranging has risks.
I am glad your missing hen was found ok.

 

[Gracie G]

Dont spray blue cote on an open wound. It is to harsh. Use something healing and sticky like salve. Triple antbiotic cream or niesporin. This will keep the flys off.
You may have to put your hen in a separate cage while she heals as the other birds will peck at the wound.
Small chicken hawks are a threat to full grown chickens by the way. I had one that would kill a chicken a day. Eat a small amount and the birds were left to lay in the yard. Of course he could not move it.
free ranging has risks.
I am glad your missing hen was found ok.

Thanks for the tips! Do you think that free ranging is still worth the risks?

 

[50-45-1]

Each person must decide that for themself.

I have 3 guardian dogs that patrol all day. My chickens free range during the day and so far this year i i have lost 4 hens. Probably to a bobcat, Since we sighted him last month. They are pretty sneeky.
My eggs taste so good, and the flock is so happy to be let out. They enjoy there life no matter how long or short it is. I had a 9 year old hen die of old age last year.
I always set some eggs under broodies to replace the hens i loose and keep young blood in my egg producers.
I hope your girl recovers. How is she doing?

 

[Mrs. K]

Your predator will be back, and will probably have a better attack. You need a run. Once they find you, it can be like, "Hey free chicken BBQ over at...." Just because you have a run, doesn't mean you never let them out, but I like something I can lock up 24/7 for a while. Especially if you are going to be gone for a couple of days.

Neighbors can get cranky if a hen is tearing up their prize roses or petunias.

Mrs K

 

[trumpeting_angel]

I just started letting mine out, and only when I have time for close supervision. Predators, yes, but I also have a lot of foxgloves (toxic), and I really don't want to have to fight with them over the vegetable garden. I just retired, so I have time for this. I couldn't have before.

 

[Gracie G]

Each person must decide that for themself.

I have 3 guardian dogs that patrol all day. My chickens free range during the day and so far this year i i have lost 4 hens. Probably to a bobcat, Since we sighted him last month. They are pretty sneeky.
My eggs taste so good, and the flock is so happy to be let out. They enjoy there life no matter how long or short it is. I had a 9 year old hen die of old age last year.
I always set some eggs under broodies to replace the hens i loose and keep young blood in my egg producers.
I hope your girl recovers. How is she doing?

She is fully recovered now and is happy to be running around again!