fox attack has left one badly wounded lonely girl

Rummer

Be careful bringing her in this close to winter as if she is in for long it will be a shock going back out.

Why not try putting in a chicken sized cuddly toy or pillow to keep her company and give her something to snuggle up to?

pickledtink

Rummer thanks. This feels better somehow. She isn't used to being in the house so I'm doubtful as it could stress her out more.
Trouble is her perch is way up high so I may have to strap something on to it.
Going to check on her again now.
Really appreciate the support here people thank you. x

Hobsons_Choice

Really sorry to hear about your hens. I can't offer any advice, but offer good thoughts and all best wishes to you.
Hope Google makes a good recovery, perhaps it's just a matter of time? I hope so.

rachbc

the are remarkably resilient - mine attacked each other very viciously recently and I really though Ginger would have to be pts - but she is now reintegrated into the flock and physically recovered, though still a little jumpy. Give her time, plenty of tlc and if you have any faith in alternative medicine some rescue remedy won't harm!

bluebag

Oh dear! how traumatic for you and your lovely girls. I live right in the very heart of urban, so I could never have chickens here. But I would very much love to.

So very sorry for your loss. Wishing you and your lonely survivor well.

vax2002

as I said, you can do what you like, but as a country bumpkin I can tell you on very good experience the fox will keep coming back every night, its what they do, its part of the job description of a fox.
The hen will be stressed, especially if the fox is making regular tasting session visits.

squeaky

Is there any way that you can temporarily divide the run in half with a wire mesh and (even if only in the day time) put that offered chicken into it? I'm thinking that it would then be able to provide company in a safe way since the newcomer wouldn't be able to attempt to take advantage of the weakened condition of yours and establish itself at the top of the pecking order?

mioliere

I don't know much about keeping chickens, but this is such a sad story I didn't want to just read and run. I do hope your girl gets better soon, especially emotionally. She obviously has a very caring owner. Please let us know how she gets on. Good luck to you and her.

princess_skint_a_lot_2

hi there

im so sorry this happened to you. We had a similar experience but with a weasel, killed all but amy and she was traumatised. we brought her into the house in the evenings and she slept happily in a cardboard box. during the day she free ranged but would stay close to the house. after couple of months and after making some alterations to chickenopolis, we got her some friends.....and a cockerel. Hes a bruiser and protects the girls. He took on a cat not long ago, who was after a tasty meal and lets just sy the cat had to go to the vets and wont be doin it again, the same cat now avoids my garden like the plague...maybe something to think about. Hugs to you.xxxx

bektoria

Hi Pickledtink

I also don't have any real advice but wanted to send a big hug, didnt feel right to read your story and then move on. We had 3 girls and unfortunatly somebody's ferret escaped and got them all

Not many people were sympathetic to our loss as they could not understand how the girls were our pets, with personalites etc ..... We now have 4 rescued ex batts who are thriving and bring alot of laughter to us with their antics :rotfl:

I have found the forums on Omlet http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/ and The PoultrySite http://www.thepoultrysite.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=10 to both be really useful when I have needed advice. People seem to have alot of experince so hopefully someone could help you ?

Good luck, I hope Google makes a full recovery.

Bek xx