I recently introduced 4 new birds to my established flock. They seem to be getting along well. Yesterday while working in the yard a dog went after my chickens. I did not see him catch any of the birds, or notice anything suspicious afterword. The chickens have been confined to the tractor for much of the day so that I can ensure they are laying in the right place. I have not noticed any scuffles between any of the birds since the first couple of days.
This evening we noticed that one of the new birds seemed to be missing some feathers on her neck and keeping her neck in a position where she could keep the area covered. She seems active and alert, and is eating and free-ranging in the yard with the others, and otherwise just a healthy bird. All other birds passed health checks.
This evening we brought the bird in for inspection after dark. All the feathers past the head on the back of her neck are gone. All the way to her back. There are some spots that look bloodied or scabbed, but nothing is actually bleeding. The area is shiny and a bit wet looking. I cannot tell if it's skin or bone.
I am unable to tell if the other birds, the dog, or some night time predator could have done this.
I have set up an area on our covered front porch for her and plan to keep her isolated until she heals or some other solution can be reached. does any one have any suggestions about what I can do for her to keep her healthy and healing?
Thank you for your help!
This evening we noticed that one of the new birds seemed to be missing some feathers on her neck and keeping her neck in a position where she could keep the area covered. She seems active and alert, and is eating and free-ranging in the yard with the others, and otherwise just a healthy bird. All other birds passed health checks.
This evening we brought the bird in for inspection after dark. All the feathers past the head on the back of her neck are gone. All the way to her back. There are some spots that look bloodied or scabbed, but nothing is actually bleeding. The area is shiny and a bit wet looking. I cannot tell if it's skin or bone.
I am unable to tell if the other birds, the dog, or some night time predator could have done this.
I have set up an area on our covered front porch for her and plan to keep her isolated until she heals or some other solution can be reached. does any one have any suggestions about what I can do for her to keep her healthy and healing?
Thank you for your help!