single chicken left after predator attack

[khorn11]

A predator broke into my run. It killed all but one of my chickens. She has no visible wounds and is moving and walking. If she survives the shock of this event what do I do next for her. She is alone now without a flock. Can she live on her own for some time? Do I ned to find a new flock for her? Any advice would be helpful .

 

[elisajp]

So very sorry to hear this what a terrible thing.

She may likely get depressed without chicken friends, can mourn and be traumatized, which affects stress and egg laying -- but she can physically 'survive' without a flock - as long as she is warm enough at night.

Would you plan to possibly get her some mates in the near future? Can you spend extra time with her? Poor thing

 

[khorn11]

So very sorry to hear this what a terrible thing.

She may likely get depressed without chicken friends, can mourn and be traumatized, which affects stress and egg laying -- but she can physically 'survive' without a flock - as long as she is warm enough at night.

Would you plan to possibly get her some mates in the near future? Can you spend extra time with her? Poor thing

Should I bring her inside with me so she is not alone? I have been checking on her about every hour but I don't want to stress her to much going in and out of the run. If I could find her some friends would that be even more stressful introducing her to new chickens? nights are in the 60s where I am, I have a wall heat mat from the winter I could put back out. My poor little lady

 

[elisajp]

Should I bring her inside with me so she is not alone? I have been checking on her about every hour but I don't want to stress her to much going in and out of the run. If I could find her some friends would that be even more stressful introducing her to new chickens? nights are in the 60s where I am, I have a wall heat mat from the winter I could put back out. My poor little lady

Animals are pretty resilient for the most part. It is totally up to you if you can give her extra attention and affection. Probably good to keep most routines the same. But Whatever you feel is right is basically the best you can do, you know? This is trauma and everyone and every chicken may react differently. I’m glad it is warm there and she’s safe atm.

There’s lots of advice on here on how to introduce new chickens. Maybe read up a bit and decide best course of action? Take it one day at a time! I’m so sorry again!

Give her extra tasty treats, make sure she eating and drinking ok. watch for signs of injuries and things like that.

 

[EEforMe]

Also if it seems like going in and out stresses her out then maybe just spend more time while you’re there with fewer checks… just a suggestion.

 

[Shezadandy]

If something broke into the run, then definitely bring her in until you figure out how the predator got in and get it fixed.

She will need new friends either way.

But- no matter what- if you continue to keep chickens- whether you add to your flock now or find her a new home now and then start again later - the run must be secured. If they got food (sorry) once- they will come back.

Is there a cover or net over the top of the run? What are the sides made of? Are they buried into the ground?

 

[Callender Girl]

So sorry to hear about your losses and glad one girl survived.

A few years ago, a mink got into one of my coops (I forgot to close the door) and killed all but one chicken. She was pretty shook up for a while, but she wasn't injured. For the rest of that night, I put her in a different coop with some other hens, but that seemed to stress her out.

So, I put her back into her old house by herself. Since I let my girls out when I'm home, I let her "socialize" with the other hens until she found a group she seemed to like (NOT the ones I had chosen for her) and let them all bunk together.

While I know you don't have other birds, I'm just saying that sometimes, despite your best efforts, a chicken will make other decisions. Don't take it personally.

Good luck with your girl!

 

[khorn11]

If something broke into the run, then definitely bring her in until you figure out how the predator got in and get it fixed.

She will need new friends either way.

But- no matter what- if you continue to keep chickens- whether you add to your flock now or find her a new home now and then start again later - the run must be secured. If they got food (sorry) once- they will come back.

Is there a cover or net over the top of the run? What are the sides made of? Are they buried into the groun

 

[khorn11]

update. My lone survivor has made it through the night. She did spend the night inside. She is still shook up ( rightfully so ) but seems to be a little calmer this morning. I have access to two Cochin roosters a friend needs to re-home but I don't know that they would be acceptable flock mates at this point.

 

[Iluveggers]

update. My lone survivor has made it through the night. She did spend the night inside. She is still shook up ( rightfully so ) but seems to be a little calmer this morning. I have access to two Cochin roosters a friend needs to re-home but I don't know that they would be acceptable flock mates at this point.

I definitely would not put a single hen, much less a traumatized one, with 2 Roos.