Shell shock after hawk attack

[Mathieu0220]

One of my chicken was attack by a hawk yesterday, probably 15-20 seconds long until I got there to scare away the hawk. I inspected the hen and she seems fine, one tiny scratch near her neck but really barely anything. But, ever since the attack she is a lot more lethargic, yesterday she didn't eat anything, today she ate a little bit more but still spends more of the time sleeping. What do you guys think is happening? Can she shake it off or that's sign of internal damage? Anything I can do to help her?

 

[Ajp23]

We just went through this, it’s so scary. Two of ours didn’t make it but I’m happy to hear your girl seems to not have any obvious injuries! She is most likely just terrified! Our girls who saw the attack have only just today ventured out of their coop again. I’m sure others will chime in with more specific advice but just wanted to say I hope she improves quickly and gets back to being her old self monitor her food and water intake and give her space to recuperate as long as nothing declines.

 

[Slothinc]

She may be experiencing shock, among other things. Sugar water or electrolytes may help her. As well as keeping her in a safe, warm, dim place so that she can rest.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

One tsp sugar, along with a pinch of salt and a pinch of baking soda in one cup of warm water, is the formula for sugar water. When all is dissolved, hold some up to her beak in a cup, or gently dip her beak in to get her to take some. Good luck with her.

 

[Toothpick]

It's not ideal or "legal" for some of us but this is why I like a rooster with my hens. A rooster worth his salt will fight that hawk.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I lost a young rooster that way. I had an older one and this young one, I guess actually still a cockerel, coming up. The flockmaster got the flock into the coop and, as far as I could tell from the evidence, the young one fought a rearguard battle. I lost no hens but the cockerel didn't survive. I don't even remember what breed he was now.

 

[Toothpick]

I'd rather loose a roster than a laying hen TBH

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I guess.

 

[Toothpick]

I have a different perspective on backyard chickens than a lot of folks here. They are egg layers 1st and pets 2nd. I'm going to take care of them best I can of course. Roosters are for predator awareness and fertile eggs IMO.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I have a different perspective on backyard chickens than a lot of folks here. They are egg layers 1st and pets 2nd. I'm going to take care of them best I can of course. Roosters are for predator awareness and fertile eggs IMO.

I pretty much agree with you, but I don't expect my rooster to sacrifice himself for the flock. My older rooster, IMO, did the right thing, sounding the alarm and getting the flock to safety. It takes time to replace a good rooster and if you only have one ... well, losing one of 20 hens is not as big a loss IMO.