When to re-integrate?

[Stacifay]

Last week one of my girls (while they were being given free-range time) was attacked by a hawk and pretty badly injured. I was able to get to her and get the flock safely back in their enclosed area, then quickly set up an ICU area for Oprah (my injured gal) . She lost an eye in the attack, but now a week later, seems to be healing ok - no sign of infection, etc..... I had her enclosure right next to her original enclosure so she could see and communicate with her flock 24/7. She laid an egg on day 3 and 4 of post-attack, but has not laid again the last three days. She will drink it seems only if I hold her water up high (not sure if she is having trouble "seeing" where food/water is with the disorientation of having only one eye now.....
Question - when and how is the best way to allow her to go back with her flock? I only have 8 girls, so not a huge flock and they have been together for 6 months now with a definite established pecking order (Oprah was always near the bottom to begin with ) Please advise on safest way/time - should I monitor free-range time with all girls out and see if she wants to return to her original coop ? Thanks all - this has been a terribly sad and stressful learning experience for me. I do love my chickens dearly.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would start with supervised interactions for a few days to see how she's being treated and how she's getting along. If after a few days it seems okay than leave her in the flock. Otherwise keep separating her out when you can't watch or there's too much aggression.

It will take time for her to adjust to only one eye.