Sick or Injured?

[rjl]

I had 7 chickens and when I came home from a morning away, 3 of them had gotten out (possibly hiding in the bushes) and one was lying underneath the coop, barely moving. I'm kind of assuming something got to the other ones, but it's possible that they had just been out long enough to wander away as they followed bugs. There are a lot of feathers in the run but no bodies or blood that I can see. My main concern is the one that was barely moving. She looks like she may have been attacked and just be lethargic/injured but I don't have any experience with sick chickens so I'm not entirely sure. I did have one broody hen but I'm not sure if this is her or not. Any advice?

 

[SmiYa0126]

Hi! I'm so sorry. Bring her inside and put @rjl her in a semi dark comfortable space with sweetened water to treat for shock, if you have watermelon offer that too. She should come around in 24 hours or so. Check her over for injuries as well.

 

[rjl]

Hi! I'm so sorry. Bring her inside and put @rjl her in a semi dark comfortable space with sweetened water to treat for shock, if you have watermelon offer that too. She should come around in 24 hours or so. Check her over for injuries as well.

Thanks for the tips! Do you think it’s simply that she’s traumatized? The mess on her vent has me worried too. Also, what would you use to sweeten the water? Sugar, honey? Brown sugar?

 

[SmiYa0126]

@rjl honey or brown sugar has more nutrients, I would start with that. It's calming on her nervous system. She may need to o be cleaned up a little, if it's been hot she may have acute diarrhea, but once it cool down she should go back to normal.

 

[rjl]

@rjl honey or brown sugar has more nutrients, I would start with that. It's calming on her nervous system. She may need to o be cleaned up a little, if it's been hot she may have acute diarrhea, but once it cool down she should go back to normal.

Thank you for the help! These are my first chickens so I’m severely lacking in the sick management skills. Unfortunately when I went out this morning, she was gone. Whatever attacked probably came back and got her because I can’t find the body.

 

[SmiYa0126]

I'm so sorry! Post some pictures of your set up so we can help you predator proof your run. Whatever it is will keep coming back until you lose all of them.