Pulletts with PTSD

[tfalls3]

Overnight we lost 2 due to a rat. Now the other 2 are severely stressed out about going back in the coop. I found how it got in cause it couldn't get back out and after exacting my revenge on it I fixed the problem. Now my other 2 freak out and are going to end up hurting them selves when I put them back in. We have a large run attached to the roost. They are currently following me around the house and sit on my feet when ever I stop. I tried sitting in there with them but it made no difference.
How long do you think this will last? Will they ever get over it?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm sorry for your loss.

I'm glad you were able to eliminate the rat and fix the entry problem.

Continue to place them in the coop at night, once they have had several nights with no predator or drama, then they should start to calm down.
They also lost 2 flock members, so this changes the whole flock dynamic and pecking order.

Once they get settled back in you may want to consider getting 2 more to replace the ones you lost.
If so try to find some close to the same as the 2 you have now. If you get anymore, practice good biosecurity and quarantine the new birds, then start the integration process.

Good luck with your girls, let us know how they are doing.


http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/12/quarantine-of-backyard-chickens-why-and.html
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2011/06/integrating-new-flock-members-playpen.html