The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: SLI on July 09, 2014, 08:54:04 am

Title: Fox Attack
Post by: SLI on July 09, 2014, 08:54:04 am

Hi,
I had my first fox attack on Monday morning. Out of my 6 hens it killed 3, one survived intact, one is just gone - only feathers left and one was in the run left for dead.
The injured one has obviously hurt her leg in some way. I put her in the coop and left her for about 5 hours as I thought she'd probably have a heart attack but after that I picked her up and checked her over. She has no open or puncture wounds at all. I felt her leg and (as far as I can tell) it doesn't seem broken. Her comb is still lovely & red.  I brought her inside and just kept her warm overnight. She wouldn't eat or drink.
Yesterday morning I bathed her so that I could get a good look at her. No marks at all, not even bruising.
She began to eat and drink yesterday. I'm giving her oats mixed with grated apple, honey & mealworms.
Her leg is still splayed out but her foot reacts when I touch it.
After this long explanation my question is am I doing the right thing? I don't want to keep her alive if she'll never be able to stand up. I don't care whether she lays again I just want her to be able to scratch about with the survivor.
Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.

Title: Re: Fox Attack
Post by: Q on July 09, 2014, 09:36:25 am

I cringe when I hear of fox attacks because it is quite shocking when it happens.

Well I think you are doing the right thing, give the bird as much of a chance as possible.  The leg may not get better and you will have to deal with that if thats the way it goes.

I am no expert but i would do exactly the same as you for a few days to see what happens - as long as the bird doesnt seem in pain or distress.

 :fc:

Title: Re: Fox Attack
Post by: SLI on July 09, 2014, 09:46:19 am

Thanks Q. Yes, I was very upset, to say the least.
I think I just wanted reassurance that I'm not prolonging her life for me.
 :chook:

Title: Re: Fox Attack
Post by: Marches Farmer on July 09, 2014, 10:00:26 am

If you get someone else to hold the hen and feel gently and carefull along the length of both legs, using the "good" leg as a reference, then you'll likely be able to feel a break.  If not then it's possible she's hurt the tendon or been bruised and it'll go down with time.  If it starts to puff up you might want to consider culling.

Title: Re: Fox Attack
Post by: SLI on July 09, 2014, 03:13:47 pm

Thanks for the advice & support. Unfortunately she's just passed. At least she was warm, comfortable & quiet :-(

Title: Re: Fox Attack
Post by: Q on July 09, 2014, 04:19:49 pm

Sorry to hear that SLI - you are exactly right - she was well cared for - sadly not to be this time.