also, keep in mind, she is exhausted, and will sleep alot, which actually is a good thing as she needs it to heal- she won't recover over nite, it will be slow, i remember with jewel, just her moving her legs was a triumph...
young hen attacked by dog-alive but can't move-update
- Thread starter Violet5
- Start date
wondered how she is this morning?
- Oct 30, 2007
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It is possible to teach most dogs to leave off the livestock. Not easy, but possible. They have to come to understand that the livestock is a part of their pack, and that the leaders of the pack would be far more PO'd at them than the fun they get from chasing & killing. Of course, each breed has a different amount of prey-drive. Some dogs are just too stupid, but from your description of your dog that does not sound the case.
We had 3 boy dogs share the yard with our hens: a sheherd/Dane mix, a brittany spaniel/lab cross, and a bouvier. The bouv and shepherd x are high prey drive/aggressive breeds. The brittany x a hunter. We raised the chicks in the house and the 'boys' all learned they would DIE if they went after the birds. The only problem we had was the bouv--for some reason the the peeping made him crazy (maybe he thought they were chipmunks?). Once they stopped peeping he didn't bother them again. However, a raccoon and a rabbit that got into the yard was promptly killed (and eaten). I should also point out that our dogs are fed a raw diet, which consists mainly of chicken backs--so my boys know exactly what those live birds taste like under the feathers. They are very good boys.
Talk to your vet--find out who is doing training for aggressive dogs in your area. Talk to the schutzhund groups near you--they do amazing things with their dogs--like teaching them to discern when aggression is appropriate and when it is not.
Or you can do what my great-grandpa did to his old dog Teddy--tied the dead chicken around his neck so he'd have to carry it around for a month. That dog never attacked a bird again.
Good luck!
We had 3 boy dogs share the yard with our hens: a sheherd/Dane mix, a brittany spaniel/lab cross, and a bouvier. The bouv and shepherd x are high prey drive/aggressive breeds. The brittany x a hunter. We raised the chicks in the house and the 'boys' all learned they would DIE if they went after the birds. The only problem we had was the bouv--for some reason the the peeping made him crazy (maybe he thought they were chipmunks?). Once they stopped peeping he didn't bother them again. However, a raccoon and a rabbit that got into the yard was promptly killed (and eaten). I should also point out that our dogs are fed a raw diet, which consists mainly of chicken backs--so my boys know exactly what those live birds taste like under the feathers. They are very good boys.
Talk to your vet--find out who is doing training for aggressive dogs in your area. Talk to the schutzhund groups near you--they do amazing things with their dogs--like teaching them to discern when aggression is appropriate and when it is not.
Or you can do what my great-grandpa did to his old dog Teddy--tied the dead chicken around his neck so he'd have to carry it around for a month. That dog never attacked a bird again.
Good luck!
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About your dog, I understand completely. We have a dog, rescued, and I love this dog beyond words. He has bitten myself and my husband for no apparent reason whatsoever and then immediately cries and wants to lick us to death. We took him to a dog psychologist and the dog was diagnosed with "fear aggression". We had two choices: modify our behavior or put the dog down. we chose to modify our behavior. The dog never sees anyone other than myself or husband.
To make a long story short, the dog bit a friend at our house who knew the dog and said not to put dog in house and he was bitten. He had no insurance and we were sued for $25,000 and our house insurance doubled. Moral of the story; if I had to do this over I would have put the dog down. He is now 11 years old and has not shown any aggression in over three years. Yes, I love this dog to death and I keep thinking that we are making a place in heaven for ourselves because no one else on the planet would go through what we have over the years. The funny thing is that Rocky does not care a hoot about the chickens and he walks around with them all the time. Now our Cattle Dog, that's another story
To make a long story short, the dog bit a friend at our house who knew the dog and said not to put dog in house and he was bitten. He had no insurance and we were sued for $25,000 and our house insurance doubled. Moral of the story; if I had to do this over I would have put the dog down. He is now 11 years old and has not shown any aggression in over three years. Yes, I love this dog to death and I keep thinking that we are making a place in heaven for ourselves because no one else on the planet would go through what we have over the years. The funny thing is that Rocky does not care a hoot about the chickens and he walks around with them all the time. Now our Cattle Dog, that's another story
- Oct 30, 2007
- 113
- 10
- 144
Rocky top - I know what you mean about rescues. Me too 
. All ours are rescues, and it takes time and patience. But these dogs are the most loyal/grateful animals, probably because they know what it is to suffer.
I think the problem is that too many rescue groups are saving animals from impossible conditions, and not all of these animals should be saved. Fear aggression is a huge problem with rescues that were abused, and most casual dog owners are not equipped to deal with this issue. Often it is not until the animal acts out (and causes a lawsuit) that you even realize there is a problem. Lucky for me, when ours bit someone, he bit my sister--and she wasn't going to sue me! But it really woke us up to the potential hazard we were dealing with.
But enough about dogs!
Violet - I think the poster (about the egg) was trying to tell you to feed your hen the egg, as it's excellent food for them when they are sick.
Some others on this site have sutured their birds when they have had bad tears. Are you sure she doesn't have anything broken? A broken bone should be set or immobilized. You've already cleaned out the wound and applied antibiotic, that is good. If you keep her in darkness her body will stop trying to produce eggs, helping her energy go toward healing.
I would expect her to sleep a lot while recovering from an attack. But if she isn't improving, isn't eating on her own after a few days, that's your cue it's time to help her go. She does sound like she is in great pain. If she isn't coming around in a couple of days you may want to consider that her internal injuries are just too much to recover from.
. All ours are rescues, and it takes time and patience. But these dogs are the most loyal/grateful animals, probably because they know what it is to suffer.I think the problem is that too many rescue groups are saving animals from impossible conditions, and not all of these animals should be saved. Fear aggression is a huge problem with rescues that were abused, and most casual dog owners are not equipped to deal with this issue. Often it is not until the animal acts out (and causes a lawsuit) that you even realize there is a problem. Lucky for me, when ours bit someone, he bit my sister--and she wasn't going to sue me! But it really woke us up to the potential hazard we were dealing with.
But enough about dogs!
Violet - I think the poster (about the egg) was trying to tell you to feed your hen the egg, as it's excellent food for them when they are sick.
Some others on this site have sutured their birds when they have had bad tears. Are you sure she doesn't have anything broken? A broken bone should be set or immobilized. You've already cleaned out the wound and applied antibiotic, that is good. If you keep her in darkness her body will stop trying to produce eggs, helping her energy go toward healing.
I would expect her to sleep a lot while recovering from an attack. But if she isn't improving, isn't eating on her own after a few days, that's your cue it's time to help her go. She does sound like she is in great pain. If she isn't coming around in a couple of days you may want to consider that her internal injuries are just too much to recover from.
Rocky Top - wow, what a friend. Sometimes people don't listen. I just do not trust people anymore when it comes to animals. I'm sorry for that and I hope you well. I also commend you for changing your ways and not putting the dog down, but of course, there are consequences to those. I wish people understood this when they got certain "exotic" pets as with a lot of them, you cannot always have visitors over. I hope you win the lottery someday to make up for that lawsuit fees. I think the friend who was dumb enough to not have health insurance should be somewhat in trouble too. Blah!
Violet - I'm always a wee bit upset when people get a dog and then decide that when it's "inconvenient" to get rid of it. If your pup has a background of human aggression, it would be its best bet to put the dog down. Why? Because it'd be unfair to pass it onto another person and play it off as "oh well it's no longer my problem" especially when there are so many other dogs out there that have a clean background. On the other hand, as a few people stated, dogs do what dogs do best and chickens are food! LOL, they can't help it! But with a little training, you can probably fix it.
Now onto the bird - as long as she's eating and lively, keep working with her. Allow her a week or three to come back to life though as she will be tired. I rehabilitated a bird who had a broken leg and couldn't move for weeks, she pretty much laid on one or the other side... it took over 3 months FULLY before she was "walking" (definition: hobbling on one leg and finally using the other leg to sweep sideways...) Of course, she did hop around on one leg for awhile before her "walking" trial! lol Now the muscles in her legs moved her leg bone back into place and that 3-4 month old chick I took in is now a happy 3 1/2 year old pain in my rear LOL
it can be done and takes a lot of dedication, but also know when to let go. I hope you the best in your little feathery friend!
Echobabe - As for the person who mentioned schutzhund, not all dogs are made for it - a lot of American dogs lack the actual "drive" to do the sport, BUT that would probably be a good place to go to help ya with training techniques! Also, I always have to say this "Thank you" for adopting and rescuing!
And yes you are right... I think people in general will try to save ANY life no matter the consequences and whatnot. People need to understand life is a part of death and that not everyone can be saved... I thought about adopting a really aggressive large dog, but thought twice again since I am no where in my life capable of caring for the dog (I can, but just with education and work right now, it's been hard, but maybe in the future). I believe a lot of "animal lovers" want to find any means to save an animal, even when it really should be put down. Sometimes, while I believe you should try as many means to help a "FAMILY" pet out (such as not moving into an animal-unfriendly home) you also shouldn't let letting an animal live override the consequences!
Violet - I'm always a wee bit upset when people get a dog and then decide that when it's "inconvenient" to get rid of it. If your pup has a background of human aggression, it would be its best bet to put the dog down. Why? Because it'd be unfair to pass it onto another person and play it off as "oh well it's no longer my problem" especially when there are so many other dogs out there that have a clean background. On the other hand, as a few people stated, dogs do what dogs do best and chickens are food! LOL, they can't help it! But with a little training, you can probably fix it.
Now onto the bird - as long as she's eating and lively, keep working with her. Allow her a week or three to come back to life though as she will be tired. I rehabilitated a bird who had a broken leg and couldn't move for weeks, she pretty much laid on one or the other side... it took over 3 months FULLY before she was "walking" (definition: hobbling on one leg and finally using the other leg to sweep sideways...) Of course, she did hop around on one leg for awhile before her "walking" trial! lol Now the muscles in her legs moved her leg bone back into place and that 3-4 month old chick I took in is now a happy 3 1/2 year old pain in my rear LOL
Echobabe - As for the person who mentioned schutzhund, not all dogs are made for it - a lot of American dogs lack the actual "drive" to do the sport, BUT that would probably be a good place to go to help ya with training techniques! Also, I always have to say this "Thank you" for adopting and rescuing!
Just seeing this thread and haven't read everyone's posts:
Electrolytes for shock (2 days after the fact, may not be relevant now)
Pain relief. They will not want to eat/drink sufficiently when in a lot of pain. A vet might prescibe Metacam - you can't get it over the counter. If you can get something from a vet, do so asap. When a bird is not bleeding much or is not suspected to have internal injuries, aspirin water can be used to provide some relief. One baby aspirin (81 mg) to one cup drinking water is a low dose. To encourage consumption, you can dunk bits of favorite fruits in the aspirin water and then hand feed the fruit. May begin to take the edge of the pain, so that they drink/eat more. Your bird - I don't know the situation with internal bleeding.
It sounds like she may need more than topical neosporin because you indicate the wound is deep. She may need oral or injectible antibiotic to beat back infection, truly her biggest enemy after shock.
A drop or two of Rescue Remedy (Bach flower remedy, health food store) in her water may have helpful calming effect - she's been grossly traumatized and that has taken a lot out of her.
The important things here are keeping her from giving up due to pain or depression, beating back infection, and giving her reasons to greet each day - healthy treats, lots of reassurance and if it doesn't stress her, gentle touch, and keeping her in the most comfortable conditions possible for recuperating.
JJ
Electrolytes for shock (2 days after the fact, may not be relevant now)
Pain relief. They will not want to eat/drink sufficiently when in a lot of pain. A vet might prescibe Metacam - you can't get it over the counter. If you can get something from a vet, do so asap. When a bird is not bleeding much or is not suspected to have internal injuries, aspirin water can be used to provide some relief. One baby aspirin (81 mg) to one cup drinking water is a low dose. To encourage consumption, you can dunk bits of favorite fruits in the aspirin water and then hand feed the fruit. May begin to take the edge of the pain, so that they drink/eat more. Your bird - I don't know the situation with internal bleeding.
It sounds like she may need more than topical neosporin because you indicate the wound is deep. She may need oral or injectible antibiotic to beat back infection, truly her biggest enemy after shock.
A drop or two of Rescue Remedy (Bach flower remedy, health food store) in her water may have helpful calming effect - she's been grossly traumatized and that has taken a lot out of her.
The important things here are keeping her from giving up due to pain or depression, beating back infection, and giving her reasons to greet each day - healthy treats, lots of reassurance and if it doesn't stress her, gentle touch, and keeping her in the most comfortable conditions possible for recuperating.
JJ
anyone know how she is doing?
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