Ariz-Surveyor
In the Brooder
I have two Buff Orpingtons. They just started laying. Each morning we play the "catch a cricket" game, where I call them over and quickly lift a feed box. The crickets scatter all directions and the race is on. Yesterday I quickly lifted the box, the girls rushed in. No crickets, just a scorpion. They of course fought over it and the winner quickly became the loser. She began to cough and within 10 minutes was on the ground. I knew she was gone. I left her alone due to my work was calling. One hour later she was paralyzed and unable to move, yet breathing. I put her in a large box. Today (12 hrs. later) still the same. As it began to heat up, I brought her into my office. Now I see a very slight improvement, she has moved one leg a little bit. I will continue to keep an eye on her and hope for a recovery. Yes chickens eat scorpions and yes a scorpion can kill a chicken. In the spring I lost a pullet to a scorpion. I watched her get the stinger into her face. She only lasted 1 hour. I don't use pesticides but may reconsider.
