Post Predator Attack - Irritated Eye, not eating or drinking

[Dedetiger]

Apparently I really cannot catch a break…

Two days ago, a bobcat got into my chicken coop. I lost two of my birds, and yesterday I noticed my tiny little bantam rooster was acting strangely.

One of his eyes was irritated, to which I’ve been treating - and he is keeping his head tucked close to his chest. Additionally, he won’t eat or drink and seems to freak out after a few dropped sips of water. (He very scarily flipped over this morning)

I’ve looked over him multiple times for any external injuries or injuries to the head / neck area but I cannot see any. He can walk but it’s very wobbly and refuses to extend his neck when doing so. I’ll be separating him later once I’m back home as well as providing photos if able, but what else can I do?

Could he have a head injury or be in some sort of delayed shock??

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Apparently I really cannot catch a break…

Two days ago, a bobcat got into my chicken coop. I lost two of my birds, and yesterday I noticed my tiny little bantam rooster was acting strangely.

One of his eyes was irritated, to which I’ve been treating - and he is keeping his head tucked close to his chest. Additionally, he won’t eat or drink and seems to freak out after a few dropped sips of water. (He very scarily flipped over this morning)

I’ve looked over him multiple times for any external injuries or injuries to the head / neck area but I cannot see any. He can walk but it’s very wobbly and refuses to extend his neck when doing so. I’ll be separating him later once I’m back home as well as providing photos if able, but what else can I do?

Could he have a head injury or be in some sort of delayed shock??

I'm sorry for your losses.

Can you post photos of the eyes and of him?
Is he pooping, what's that like?

If you have video of his actions, post a video, upload to youtube and provide a link.

For eye issues, general care is to rinse/flush eyes with saline, remove any pus, bubbles or debris, then put an ointment like Terramycin eye ointment IN the eye. Do this 2x or more a day.

It almost sounds like he may have been injured during the attack. He may not have any physical wounds/abrasions, but check him carefully. It's possible he bonked his head/flew into something during the attack and is suffering from shock and stress along with head/neck trauma.

I'd work him through shock/trauma. Give him sips of warmed sugar water (1tsp sugar to 1cup warm water) or if you have Electrolytes, give him those.

He freaks out after a sip or 2 of water. Can you look inside his beak for any cuts or lesions, a broken beak? What is his crop like, any injury/bruising, etc.

Keep him somewhere relatively quiet so you can monitor him closely.

I'd also start him on Vitamin Therapy of 400IU Vitamin E and 1/4 tablet B-Complex to help with balance and any trauma to the head/nervous system.

 

[Dedetiger]

I'm sorry for your losses.

Can you post photos of the eyes and of him?
Is he pooping, what's that like?

If you have video of his actions, post a video, upload to youtube and provide a link.

For eye issues, general care is to rinse/flush eyes with saline, remove any pus, bubbles or debris, then put an ointment like Terramycin eye ointment IN the eye. Do this 2x or more a day.

It almost sounds like he may have been injured during the attack. He may not have any physical wounds/abrasions, but check him carefully. It's possible he bonked his head/flew into something during the attack and is suffering from shock and stress along with head/neck trauma.

I'd work him through shock/trauma. Give him sips of warmed sugar water (1tsp sugar to 1cup warm water) or if you have Electrolytes, give him those.

He freaks out after a sip or 2 of water. Can you look inside his beak for any cuts or lesions, a broken beak? What is his crop like, any injury/bruising, etc.

Keep him somewhere relatively quiet so you can monitor him closely.

I'd also start him on Vitamin Therapy of 400IU Vitamin E and 1/4 tablet B-Complex to help with balance and any trauma to the head/nervous system.

Thank you so much
I’ll fetch some videos / photos in just a bit (give or take about a half hour) for now I can tell you what I do know.

I’ve been treating the eye the way you’ve suggested, it’s started to clear up today, less watery but he had it closed when I saw him earlier today. Acting a bit lethargic.

His crop seems empty form his lack of eating/drinking, but no particular bloating
Beak and the inside of his mouth and throat seem clear of anything and no cuts or blockages

I have not been able to observe him pooping, but hopefully after separation I’ll be able to get a better idea - might see if I can bring him back home.

I haven’t been able to see any other injuries under his wings, around his body, or legs - he DOES have a a few scrapes on his comb and around his face but nothing deep at all, very superficial wounds. He does NOT like me touching his head, I’ve tried my best to get him to pull away from his neck but he’s not a fan of that at all

 

[FowlProtector]

'm so sorry you're dealing with this. A bobcat attack is traumatic enough, and now having your little bantam acting off makes it even worse.

From what you describe—wobbly walking, reluctance to extend his neck, keeping his head tucked, and flipping over—there's a strong possibility he suffered a head or neck injury during the attack. Even if there aren’t visible wounds, he could have internal trauma, swelling, or even mild neurological damage. The fact that he freaks out after a few sips of water might indicate dizziness, disorientation, or pain.

What You Can Do:​

1. Separate & Keep Warm – Isolation in a quiet, warm, and dimly lit space will reduce stress and prevent further injury if he’s disoriented. A small, padded enclosure (like a towel-lined box) can help stabilize him.
2. Hydration First – Try offering water with electrolytes (like Save-A-Chick or homemade sugar/salt water) via a dropper or syringe. If he freaks out drinking, try offering small drips at the side of his beak and let him swallow on his own.
3. Nutritional Support – If he won’t eat, try offering soft foods like scrambled eggs or wet feed mixed with water. Nutri-Drench or a bit of honey can provide a quick energy boost.
4. Check for Neurological Signs – The head tucking and flipping over could suggest a concussion, brain swelling, or even wry neck (though the latter is usually slow onset). Watch his eye movement—if they flick rapidly or he seems "off balance," it might be neurological.
5. Anti-Inflammatory Support – If you can get it, aspirin water (one baby aspirin per cup of water) can help with swelling and pain, but only if he’ll drink. Some people also use vitamin E + selenium (like a tiny bit of gel cap mixed into food) to support recovery.
6. Observe & Adjust – If his symptoms worsen (severe lethargy, worsening balance, seizures), he may have more extensive internal injuries.

Could It Be Delayed Shock?​

Yes, absolutely. Chickens can mask injuries until later, and the stress of the attack alone could be affecting him. Shock can cause temporary disorientation and weakness, but if it’s that, he should improve with warmth, fluids, and rest.

You're doing all the right things by keeping a close eye and planning to separate him. If he’s still struggling after 24-48 hours, it might be worth consulting a vet if possible.

Let me know how he does when you get home. Fingers crossed for the little guy.

 

[Dedetiger]

'm so sorry you're dealing with this. A bobcat attack is traumatic enough, and now having your little bantam acting off makes it even worse.

From what you describe—wobbly walking, reluctance to extend his neck, keeping his head tucked, and flipping over—there's a strong possibility he suffered a head or neck injury during the attack. Even if there aren’t visible wounds, he could have internal trauma, swelling, or even mild neurological damage. The fact that he freaks out after a few sips of water might indicate dizziness, disorientation, or pain.

What You Can Do:​

1. Separate & Keep Warm – Isolation in a quiet, warm, and dimly lit space will reduce stress and prevent further injury if he’s disoriented. A small, padded enclosure (like a towel-lined box) can help stabilize him.
2. Hydration First – Try offering water with electrolytes (like Save-A-Chick or homemade sugar/salt water) via a dropper or syringe. If he freaks out drinking, try offering small drips at the side of his beak and let him swallow on his own.
3. Nutritional Support – If he won’t eat, try offering soft foods like scrambled eggs or wet feed mixed with water. Nutri-Drench or a bit of honey can provide a quick energy boost.
4. Check for Neurological Signs – The head tucking and flipping over could suggest a concussion, brain swelling, or even wry neck (though the latter is usually slow onset). Watch his eye movement—if they flick rapidly or he seems "off balance," it might be neurological.
5. Anti-Inflammatory Support – If you can get it, aspirin water (one baby aspirin per cup of water) can help with swelling and pain, but only if he’ll drink. Some people also use vitamin E + selenium (like a tiny bit of gel cap mixed into food) to support recovery.
6. Observe & Adjust – If his symptoms worsen (severe lethargy, worsening balance, seizures), he may have more extensive internal injuries.

Could It Be Delayed Shock?​

Yes, absolutely. Chickens can mask injuries until later, and the stress of the attack alone could be affecting him. Shock can cause temporary disorientation and weakness, but if it’s that, he should improve with warmth, fluids, and rest.

You're doing all the right things by keeping a close eye and planning to separate him. If he’s still struggling after 24-48 hours, it might be worth consulting a vet if possible.

Let me know how he does when you get home. Fingers crossed for the little guy.

Thank you so much for the help, it’s reassuring to know what I’m doing right now is what’s right

We just brought him home and he’s resting up in the nice quiet garage now

I did give a good look at the way his eyes reacted to light and both seem fine, not flickering so hopefully it’s nothing neurological

I managed to get some water mixed with some electrolytes and some vitamins (B and E + Selenium)! I’m hoping that if we fix his dehydration first he’ll feel like eating a bit more

He still wasn’t a fan of me picking him up which gives me some hope that it’s not too late for him, though I think he realized we’re trying to help - I’m just hoping he can pull through now.

 

[Dedetiger]

I'm sorry for your losses.

Can you post photos of the eyes and of him?
Is he pooping, what's that like?

If you have video of his actions, post a video, upload to youtube and provide a link.

For eye issues, general care is to rinse/flush eyes with saline, remove any pus, bubbles or debris, then put an ointment like Terramycin eye ointment IN the eye. Do this 2x or more a day.

It almost sounds like he may have been injured during the attack. He may not have any physical wounds/abrasions, but check him carefully. It's possible he bonked his head/flew into something during the attack and is suffering from shock and stress along with head/neck trauma.

I'd work him through shock/trauma. Give him sips of warmed sugar water (1tsp sugar to 1cup warm water) or if you have Electrolytes, give him those.

He freaks out after a sip or 2 of water. Can you look inside his beak for any cuts or lesions, a broken beak? What is his crop like, any injury/bruising, etc.

Keep him somewhere relatively quiet so you can monitor him closely.

I'd also start him on Vitamin Therapy of 400IU Vitamin E and 1/4 tablet B-Complex to help with balance and any trauma to the head/nervous system.

Here’s a few photos and a video of him walking from before we separated him (he’s now at home in our garage where it’s quiet and dark)

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you so much
I’ll fetch some videos / photos in just a bit (give or take about a half hour) for now I can tell you what I do know.

I’ve been treating the eye the way you’ve suggested, it’s started to clear up today, less watery but he had it closed when I saw him earlier today. Acting a bit lethargic.

His crop seems empty form his lack of eating/drinking, but no particular bloating
Beak and the inside of his mouth and throat seem clear of anything and no cuts or blockages

I have not been able to observe him pooping, but hopefully after separation I’ll be able to get a better idea - might see if I can bring him back home.

I haven’t been able to see any other injuries under his wings, around his body, or legs - he DOES have a a few scrapes on his comb and around his face but nothing deep at all, very superficial wounds. He does NOT like me touching his head, I’ve tried my best to get him to pull away from his neck but he’s not a fan of that at all

What cute little guy!

I'd definitely work on the eyes, cleaning and flushing them daily 2x a day, put the ointment in the eye.

Hopefully he'll respond to the vitamin therapy. He's moving around which is good. Sounds like he may be a bit sore if he's not wanting you to touch his head.

 

[Dedetiger]

What cute little guy!

I'd definitely work on the eyes, cleaning and flushing them daily 2x a day, put the ointment in the eye.

Hopefully he'll respond to the vitamin therapy. He's moving around which is good. Sounds like he may be a bit sore if he's not wanting you to touch his head.

Hopefully! He looks a little less miserable to how he did earlier today already which gives me some hope for him - hoping he improves with the treatment. Definitely going to continue his eye treatment for sure, it’s still watery.

 

[Dedetiger]

Apparently I really cannot catch a break…

Two days ago, a bobcat got into my chicken coop. I lost two of my birds, and yesterday I noticed my tiny little bantam rooster was acting strangely.

One of his eyes was irritated, to which I’ve been treating - and he is keeping his head tucked close to his chest. Additionally, he won’t eat or drink and seems to freak out after a few dropped sips of water. (He very scarily flipped over this morning)

I’ve looked over him multiple times for any external injuries or injuries to the head / neck area but I cannot see any. He can walk but it’s very wobbly and refuses to extend his neck when doing so. I’ll be separating him later once I’m back home as well as providing photos if able, but what else can I do?

Could he have a head injury or be in some sort of delayed shock??

To give a little update:

He’s still hanging in there! Still weak and still not eating and drinking on his own, but he’s very happy to take vitamin water and egg yolk from a syringe. He’s at least standing instead of doing that sad little crouch now.

We also discovered the source of pain today too: a large wound on his chest which would explain his sensitivity to that general area. It’s starting to heal up, but now that we know it’s there, we can treat it properly as he have any wound in the past.

Still hoping he’ll hang in there, he was definitely more alert this morning and his eye has healed up nicely so the hope is there.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

To give a little update:

He’s still hanging in there! Still weak and still not eating and drinking on his own, but he’s very happy to take vitamin water and egg yolk from a syringe. He’s at least standing instead of doing that sad little crouch now.

We also discovered the source of pain today too: a large wound on his chest which would explain his sensitivity to that general area. It’s starting to heal up, but now that we know it’s there, we can treat it properly as he have any wound in the past.

Still hoping he’ll hang in there, he was definitely more alert this morning and his eye has healed up nicely so the hope is there.

I'm glad you saw the wound.

I'd get some Chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) and clean the wound really well. Trim the feathers from around the wound so you can see it better. Apply triple antibiotic ointment to the wound. Hopefully it will heal fairly quickly.
I'd also check around on the opposite side of the wound, perhaps there's another wound - think of Bobcat teeth (bite) or claws.

If he will take food from a syringe, you can also provide him with Kaytee Exact Baby Bird Formula. A lot of people tube or syringe this when they have a bird that's not eating well on their own.

Keep me post on the Little Guy. Does he have a name?