Traumatized and hiding

[jahphotogal]

My neighbor's dog got into my yard and chased my chicken all over the place. She got herself into a tiny little hole under the house - usually only the chipmunks go in there. She's wedged in really tight - I can just see the tip of her tail. After waiting over an hour to see if she'd come out on her own, I tried to stick my hand in to grab onto something and pull. I got ahold of a leg, but I didn't want to hurt her so didn't pull too hard and she didn't budget. The only way for her to get herself out is to push herself backwards. Is it likely she'll come out on her own eventually? Or do I have to find a way to pull her out and risk injuring her? I've called to her, sprinkled sunflower seeds around (the sound usually gets her running to me) and stroked what little part of her I can reach. I don't want her to die in there!

 

[cafarmgirl]

As long as she's not in danger of overheating or suffocating just let her sit where she is for a bit and calm down. Being chased by a dog is a very traumatic experience and she won't have any desire to come out for quite some time. After a while go out and call her and talk to her, she may come out. Or she may not come out until it's time to go to bed.

 

[jahphotogal]

Thanks - I just hope she can GET out!

 

[welasharon]

Mine have occasionally gotten themselves in where they cannot get out on their own. I would be figuring out how to get her out so that if she isn't out before dark you can get her out. We had to get a crowbar and lever up a pen to get the last one out. Make sure you plug that opening up once you get her out. My rooster had gotten in and could not get his wings back out. I didn't wait on him...I could tell he was not going to be able to get out. Good luck!

 

[jahphotogal]

Oy - she didn't come out and now it's dark. There is no way to get her out other than grabbing her legs or her tail feathers and pulling. I think I'll wait til morning!

 

[welasharon]

That's a long time for her to wedged in there. Already she's gone a good while with no food or water. Can you pry the opening larger? Or dig her out?

 

[cafarmgirl]

I agree, I would not let her spend the night there. If you can get ahold of her legs you can pull her out that way, just go slowly of course. I would then put her in a crate inside overnight with food and water so she can rest in a quiet place and let her go back to her coop tomorrow.

 

[seminolewind]

If you pull try to rock side to side-it might loosen things up. I'm wondering if you can dig next to the hole with your hand.

 

[jahphotogal]

It's not a hole. It's a pipe or sort of tunnel under the house - surrounded by foundation or something. Completely immovable. i will go out and pull her by her legs and hope for the best! Thank you for your advice!

 

[jahphotogal]

Got her. I basically grabbed her butt and pulled. She seems OK but I'll check her out carefully in the morning! Thanks for the good advice!