My dog attacked our chicken

[Cake-decorator]

Our chickens got out yesterday. My husband didn't latch the gate when he was finished with the chickens. The wind blew the gate open. And the chickens thought "freedom". We were lucky. 1 chicken did get bit on the neck not enough to draw blood. But she was all shook up. We put her in a cage. So the other chickens won't peck her. She seemed to be doing better. She is eating and is drinking water. We let her out a bit from her cage but she went to a corner and kinda stiffined up. I put her back in the cage after I carried her for a while. Several hours later l let her out to eat some fresh produce. But the roosters got to her and climbed on her. She was weak after that episode. I put her in the cage again. Now she is making a like hurting sound. over and over again and she is not moving around in the cage. My question is should I put her down or should I wait to see what happens in the next few days. Do the roosters know when a chicken is injured? I just don't want her to be in pain. I'm kinda new here and my chickens are about 18 weeks now. Thanks to all for your advice.

 

[nnbreeder]

Just keep her seperated for about a week and let her heal up. Chickens are tough critters and can take a lot as long as there is no internal damage from the jaw pressure of the dog. I would get some electrolytes for her water and maybe boost her vitamins too. Both should be available where you buy feed for the birds.

 

[chickmamawannabe]

Just wanted to bump you up. There's alot of post tonight!

 

[chickmamawannabe]

I'm always a minute too late

 

[nnbreeder]

If you are totally new to chickens you will be suprised at the number of vocalizations that they make, Usually when they hurt though they are silent if not being handled.

 

[Happyladies21]

I was new to this too- happened 10 weeks ago, my 7 wk old somehow got into the big girls pen and so nature happened, they nearly pecked her to death!! Ver limp, not moving at all, we put her back in the brooder with a heat light and I was up every 2 hrs that night dippinig her beak in water. The next day while holding her she actually started to drink herself. Now she is my baby, does not think she;s a chicken. She likes to be alone and claimed a corner of our garage. She is somewhat blind and my husband swears a bit mentally challenged also but she is our baby. She follows us everywhere during the day and has even tried to get in the back door of our house! She doesn't even sound like a chicken! Waiting to see if she lays any eggs. I am still so surprised how well they bounce back after an attack like that!! Good luck to you!

 

[Cake-decorator]

Hi, so sorry to hear about your awful experience. I know everything happens for a reason. This has brought a certain joy to your life. Now she's your baby. I think I am getting attached to my chicken now. I brought her inside the house for about a 1/2 hour to see how she was doing without the other chickens around. I noticed she was limping so my heart had compassion for her. I tell my kids not to get attached to them. But now it is very hard for me to walk what I preach. I am actually thinking about her comfort. Like I'm the Mommy and she's my baby. I love my chickens, I feel a little different about the roosters. LOL. Thanks for sharing with me.