Well after 3+ years w/o an incident today turned rainy and dreary. I had already let the chickens out this morning before the weather changed.
The hens must have been so scared because they didn't make a peep. I came downstairs and my dog went to the back door. As we opened it I saw one of my girls running and a fox snapping at her back end. Dog ran out, I ran out and fox took off.
I turned around to realize it looked like an explosion of feathers, all different sorts all over the entire backyard. My heart sank. Amazingly we lost only one hen and I have one inside with me now. She has punctures on her back and she isn't walking at all. She must have been able to escape to the crevice she got herself lodged into so I am hoping after the shock wears off she may recover. Is this possibly normal for how she might be now if in shock unsure on her feet and not great control of her wings?
It's been 5 hours now and shes asleep but she only took a few bites of food but she didn't eat or drink hardly anything. I cleaned her back and used antibiotic ointment.
Looks like the fox got the tails of a few but I wasn't able to find any issues with the remaining hens.
I am so sad. My dog is even sadder as they are her hens.
I am open to any and all words of wisdom on getting Pepper better.
The hens must have been so scared because they didn't make a peep. I came downstairs and my dog went to the back door. As we opened it I saw one of my girls running and a fox snapping at her back end. Dog ran out, I ran out and fox took off.
I turned around to realize it looked like an explosion of feathers, all different sorts all over the entire backyard. My heart sank. Amazingly we lost only one hen and I have one inside with me now. She has punctures on her back and she isn't walking at all. She must have been able to escape to the crevice she got herself lodged into so I am hoping after the shock wears off she may recover. Is this possibly normal for how she might be now if in shock unsure on her feet and not great control of her wings?
It's been 5 hours now and shes asleep but she only took a few bites of food but she didn't eat or drink hardly anything. I cleaned her back and used antibiotic ointment.
Looks like the fox got the tails of a few but I wasn't able to find any issues with the remaining hens.
I am so sad. My dog is even sadder as they are her hens.
I am open to any and all words of wisdom on getting Pepper better.