Rooster killed & hens in shock..many questions

[Loddie V]

I am new at this, and inherited two old hens and a pair of young silkies. Last week a coyote came in the yard is broad daylight stealing my little roo. The girls are just beginning to come out of the coop to get sun, & I have a few questions: The young silkie was laying, but now she has layed twice with no shell...shock related? 2: Should a get another rooster ( the older girls barely tolerated him, but my silkie was in love) 3: My biggest hen is over 6 years old, and suddenly started limping. one leg is thicker and warmer than the other, and she sits alot since walking is difficult (unrelated to coyote tragedy). My entire 3 acres is now caged in and safe. Thank-you for taking time to respond...much education is needed! Loddie

 

[the1much]

she may not lay right for a month after something like that,, but could also be half diet,, what do you feed them. on needing a roo, me personally, i dont think anyone should have a flock without the protectors there, to me it isnt a flock till you have the roo. and it sounds to me that your roo did his job, thats why he's dead, and not the girls,, im betting he stood between the girls and the coyote!
you dont NEED a roo, but, it does sound like the silkie is lonely, and you will still need a protector,, and fencing unless done just right, wont stop coyotes or other dogs,, and then ya got hawks, owls,, GET ANOTHER ROO !! hehe

and your old hen sounds like she might have inflamed some arthritis,, probably from all the commotion and running round when the coyote was there, i would find a quiet spot for her to lay in for a couple days, give her some extra warm oatmeal, some gatorade, and watch the leg,, is it warm to the touch, like a fever in it?..

 

[#1California Chick]

Welcome to BYC!!!

 

[Sissy]

Sorry about your roo,
I have 3 that I couldnt be without.
they are true protecters,
and Welcome to BYC.

 

[Loddie V]

Thanks for the welcome, and response to questions. My older hen with a swollen warm leg has been this way for quite a while. I assumed it was old age, but she eats well and is in great spirits as usual for her. She sits quite a bit, even when the others wander around the yard. Can worms or lice cause these symptoms? I live in a small coastal town in Calif. and every vet I've talked to laughed at me, and insinuated I should get a real pet!! Since I know so litttle about chickens ( aside the fact that I adore them ), I appreciate all suggestions. Thanks! Loddie

 

[the1much]

lice and worms would make her act like she's starving to death, not eating, lethargic, and not move at all,, sounds like an old injury,, and she's lazy haha,,, as long as she isnt "worse" then before all this,, then i wouldnt worry bout her until some real signs of problems,, like above.