Thank you, BYCers, for preparing me for my first hawk attack!

[Zonoma]

We had our first major predator attack today. Because of the threads I've read on this forum I had the proper first aid kit ready to use and the knowledge to know what to do without wasting time. Because of you guys I didn't freak out when I found a huge hawk on top of my favorite D'Uccle hen, Ginger. What's more- I think she's going to make it!


I was inside on BYC reading when I heard a chicken trying to come in the back door -which is very odd. My chickens don't care for the house at all and I'm okay with that. Anyway, I went out to check it out and found a big ole' hawk on top of a chicken. To my dismay, it was Ginger and the hawk seemed to already have a good grip on her. Luckily, it wasn't quite good enough because he left her there on the ground instead of taking her with him when I charged at him (in retrospect, I'm not real sure what I would have done against a 5 ft wingspan and razor sharp talons but the hawk thought I had something on him so I'm okay with that).

She was very still when I picked her up but opened her eyes and coo'ed at me. Then I saw the hawk feather clamped in her beak.

She lost a lot of feathers and got a single puncture wound (not very deep) on the underneath side of her wing along with some scratches on her torso beneath the same wing. I brought her in, kept her warm (it was raining and cold), and cleaned the wound before applying BluKot as I didn't feel additional antibiotics were necessary. After that, I brought her BFF inside for a few hours. Now BFF is back in the coop and Ginger is talking to me quietly from her roost in the hospital cage (a smallish parrot cage I got on craigslist). She's pecking at food but refusing water. I'll give her til the morning before I start worrying, though.

 

[poseygrace]

Good job rescuing her, treating her, and having all of the supplies ready when you needed it. I hope she makes it, I am sure she will if it's just a small puncture wound. I am not an expert, but you should probably flush it with saline and be sure to put some antibiotic ointment on. I don't know much about blue coat, does it have antibiotics in it? But either way, be sure to wash it well, and frequently. The biggest problem with puncture wounds is infection.

 

[Zonoma]

The BluKot is a germicide and the puncture really wasn't deep at all.

 

[SilkieBantams]

It's prohibited to keep any bird of prey feathers. So I'd burn up those hawk feathers as it's the federal law to not keep feathers of any bird of prey.

 

[Zonoma]

Quote:
I know. That's why I tossed it back into the yard with the feathers my hen lost.

I just thought it was worth mentioning that my tiny bantam hen got a feather off a ginormous hawk (I think it was a northern harrier but don't hold me to it).

 

[bantyshanty]

Wow! Good for you & good for Ginger!

It's nice to hear this sometimes turns out all right

 

[chic-a-deee]

Quote:
I know. That's why I tossed it back into the yard with the feathers my hen lost.

I just thought it was worth mentioning that my tiny bantam hen got a feather off a ginormous hawk (I think it was a northern harrier but don't hold me to it).

Yay little hen

Isnt she great!!! Ive read a bit about preditor attacks here on BYC & all the chickens have been very frightened.
(PS...I'd be wall mounting that feather as tribute to her bravery hehehe)

Do u think the hawk will be back for more now it knows the location of lunch?? If your chook run is small, you may be able
to cover it???

 

[Zonoma]

Quote:
I know. That's why I tossed it back into the yard with the feathers my hen lost.

I just thought it was worth mentioning that my tiny bantam hen got a feather off a ginormous hawk (I think it was a northern harrier but don't hold me to it).

Yay little hen

Isnt she great!!! Ive read a bit about preditor attacks here on BYC & all the chickens have been very frightened.
(PS...I'd be wall mounting that feather as tribute to her bravery hehehe)

Do u think the hawk will be back for more now it knows the location of lunch?? If your chook run is small, you may be able
to cover it???

I actually have a covered run (well, bird netting over the top) but have gotten complacent so they free range often. They're going to gripe at me all week when I keep them locked up for a week or two. Hopefully, it was migratory and just stopped by for some fast food (instead of a local) but we won't be free-ranging for a while, just in case.

 

[SteveBaz]

I am so proud of you. You did great under pressure. You gave your girl every chance to make it when most would have been killed or injured.

 

[speckledhen]