trauma, and what to do about it (warning: graphic)

[LearningToFly]

Up until 3 weeks ago, I had my new pullets in a chicken tractor (7 of them) and my 4 older girls in the coop.

One night (3 weeks ago today), a raccoon defeated the latches on the tractor and got 3 of my pullets. It was particularly gruesome. It plucked a little Faverolle in the tractor before removing her; it disassembled my Colombian Wyandotte all over the yard, and decapitated my Golden-Laced Wyandotte and smeared the poor things insides on my fence. The carnage was awful.

Telling you all the details because of this: That night I moved all the remaining pullets in with the big girls. They were still terribly frightened, complete with whimpering. It was very sad.

Here we are, three weeks later. The big chickens totally ignore the pullets. Totally. It's like they're not even in the coop. Three of the pullets spend the day huddled in the corner of the run, with their beaks pushed through the wire. The 4th pullet, who I suspect is a Dominique roo, is heartbreaking. He tries repeatedly to push himself out of the run through the wire. I am afraid he will hurt himself. He jumps and cries out at every noise and motion. Today he turned around suddenly and one of his new tail feathers brushed across the top of his head. It frightened him and he jumped.

What can I do for these birds? Will time calm them? Is there any hope for the Dominique? I'll probably rehome him if he is indeed a roo, but I hate to see him like this.

Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[Judy]

See if you can identify one in the flock who is particularly attacking the pullets. If you can, separate that one for a few days, to shake up the pecking order. If you can let them out of the pen for periods of time, that may help. You can try giving them some treats or scraps and be sure they all get some. A second feeder and waterer would be good, separated a bit from the other ones. Try hanging a cabbage or a flock block. It's not unusual for flocks to forage separately, in their own groups, but hopefully they will all eventually be out and moving aorund.

 

[dandrews1971]

Actually she said the older girls werent bullying them. They sound traumatized & fearful of predators getting them. Chickens have pretty good memories & they recognize stress, fear & terror in other birds, hence why it is recommended to process other birds out of their sight.
Time will help. ALso making sure thye are safe & free from predators now is a big help. Make sure they are eating & drinking. Maybe some reassuring pats & soothing voice when you talk to them. Extra treats too.
At nightime, try putting the little ones on the roost at the far end of the big girls, put them on the lowest rung there is. Eventually they will start to mingle with the rest as they begin to accept them.
Good luck!

 

[LearningToFly]

Yup, for the most part, the older girls are leaving the young ones alone. I'm pretty sure their behavior is from raccoon-induced trauma. Their personalities have totally changed since the massacre.