Please HELP

[LAF]

My brother had 7 hens. Last night something (assuming racoon) got into his coop and killed 4 of them, 2 are missing and I brought one to my house for rehab. (Brother is out of town for a week) She has a minor bite mark and is missing some feathers on the back of her neck. No other visible injuries. She was hiding in a corner of the yard (not in the coop) and she seems traumatized. I cannot get her to eat or drink anything. Any ideas or suggestions? I have her in a dog kennel with shavings and a solid floor inside my sunroom (out of traffic) where it is quiet and has AC. Any info would be appreciated!

 

[KRack]

My brother had 7 hens. Last night something (assuming racoon) got into his coop and killed 4 of them, 2 are missing and I brought one to my house for rehab. (Brother is out of town for a week) She has a minor bite mark and is missing some feathers on the back of her neck. No other visible injuries. She was hiding in a corner of the yard (not in the coop) and she seems traumatized. I cannot get her to eat or drink anything. Any ideas or suggestions? I have her in a dog kennel with shavings and a solid floor inside my sunroom (out of traffic) where it is quiet and has AC. Any info would be appreciated!

I’ve seen people suggest sugar water for shock. You could try searching that on here!

 

[LAF]

I’ve seen people suggest sugar water for shock. You could try searching that on here!

Thanks

 

[Anon112]

Sounds like she is in shock, poor thing.

I believe chickens cannot get rabies, but you need to be careful of infection in the bite wounds. You'll want to clean them and you can put some topical antibiotic (I tend to clean with saline then apply Vetricyn, but I've seen others recommend Neosporin, just make sure you do NOT get the kind with added pain reliever, as this is apparently toxic to chickens).

Getting a little sugar water into her is a good idea. Then having her in a quiet, dry place is also wise. I know you say you have AC, but make sure she doesn't get too chilled.

 

[Anon112]

Also, it's so nice that you're taking care of your brother's birds.

I assume that what you've provided her is her normal feed and plain drinking water?

Also, you might go back to your brother's place and take another look around for the two missing birds. While they were most likely carried off/killed, if you can find one your one chicken might perk up a bit with some companionship.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

The formula for sugar water is 1 tsp table sugar to 1 c warm water, plus a pinch each of salt and baking soda. Stir to dissolve and hold some up to her beak. If she won't take it, use your finger or a Q tip to put a drop at the crease of her beak and she should swallow it. Repeat until she refuses. Good luck!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

She has a minor bite mark and is missing some feathers on the back of her neck. No other visible injuries. She was hiding in a corner of the yard (not in the coop) and she seems traumatized. I cannot get her to eat or drink anything. Any ideas or suggestions? I have her in a dog kennel with shavings and a solid floor inside my sunroom (out of traffic) where it is quiet and has AC. Any info would be appreciated!

Welcome To BYC

Do you have photos of her and her wounds?

I'd clean any wounds with Chlorhexidine or Povidone Iodine. Trim feathers from around the wounds so they stay cleaner and you can treat them. Do look her over really well for any other abrasions or punctures that may be hidden. Once all wounds are cleaned, apply a little Triple Antibiotic Ointment to the wounds.

She has a bite on the back of her neck, so she's in shock. Keep her quiet like you are doing. It may be a good idea to put a towel over the kennel so it's "darker" and she feels a bit more secure.

Getting the sugar water or electrolytes into her are important to work her through shock.

Hopefully she'll pull through o.k., keep us posted.