Coyote Survival
Our take
The tale of the brave hen nursing back to health after a coyote attack is not just a heartwarming story; it’s a stark reminder of the realities faced by free-ranging chickens and those who care for them. As the owner of a small flock, the writer’s experience resonates deeply with many backyard chicken enthusiasts. It’s a delicate balance between the joys of watching our feathered friends roam freely and the lurking dangers that accompany such freedom. With this in mind, other articles like Roosters legs and feet getting puffier over time and A week difference! They grow so fast :)) remind us that chicken ownership often involves navigating a landscape filled with both delightful surprises and daunting challenges.
The author's proactive approach to treating the injured hen reflects a commitment that many chicken keepers share, even if they don't have veterinary training. The process of pouring betadine into her wound and carefully bandaging it showcases the kind of resourcefulness that’s essential for those in the poultry community. This hands-on experience not only fosters a strong bond between the caretaker and their chickens but also emphasizes the importance of acting swiftly in emergencies. The fact that the hen not only survived but also regained her ability to lay eggs is a testament to her resilience and the nurturing care she received. It’s stories like these that create a sense of camaraderie among chicken enthusiasts, who understand that each feathered friend has its own personality, quirks, and fight for survival.
Moreover, the incident raises critical questions about the responsibilities that come with free-ranging chickens. While it’s enticing to let our flocks enjoy the great outdoors, we must remain vigilant about the predators lurking nearby. The author's decision to fence off the back of their property serves as a proactive measure to protect their chickens and highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing safety with freedom. For many, this reality might lead to a deeper consideration of how we can enhance the security of our flocks while still allowing them the joy of foraging and exploring. After all, the sight of chickens happily pecking at the ground is one of the simplest pleasures of rural living.
As we reflect on this experience, it’s crucial to recognize the broader significance. This narrative not only serves to inform fellow chicken keepers about the potential dangers but also illustrates the interconnectedness of the community. Sharing successes, failures, and lessons learned fosters an environment where knowledge flows freely and where we can all learn from one another’s experiences. It's a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and triumphs with our beloved chickens.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how advancements in chicken care and protection evolve. Will we see more innovative solutions in predator deterrents? Or perhaps a rise in community-based support networks where chicken owners share tips and resources? The future of backyard chicken keeping is full of potential, and as we continue to share our stories, we can cultivate a more informed and engaged community. After all, every cluck-tastic tale contributes to the ever-growing tapestry of our shared chicken journey!
I wanted to share a story with my chickens. If you have a soft stomach, this might not be a story for you.
I have a small flock, 10 chickens, that free range as I use chickens mostly for tick control on my wooded property. I have lgd dogs for protection, guineas and a rooster that deter hawks fairly well. I lose a couple every year, but this is reality for chickens that aren't locked up.
At 1pm my trail camera picked up a lone coyote coming into the back of my property. My dogs were at the front during this time. The coyote injured two of my hens and my rooster is still missing, presumed dead. One hen has a leg out of place, and can walk with a limp at this point.
The second was ripped open in her chest. Her skin and fat was hanging open. I could see her muscles and organs under the membrane that separates it from the skin and fat on top. The membrane looked to still be intact. I smelled for any smells, she was clean. She still wanted to eat and drink as well. I decided if she wanted to live, I would do what I knew to do.
So I brought her inside and had my husband hold her on her side while I poured betadine into the hen's wound until it filled up, then let it drain. I put sterile bandages on every part of the raw spots, then used coban around the hen, pushing the loose flesh to adhere to the exposed membrane underneath, pushing the 3by3 inch wound closed. Not too tight, just enough pressure to keep the two sides of the wound closed. She was a wrapped chicken.
I changed her bandages with a fresh pour of betadine over the wound every evening. Smelling for any bad odors. She had none. After a week, she ripped the bandage off and was preening the feathers that started to grow back. I watch her to make sure she wasn't picking at the wound, she wasn't.
She is now laying eggs again, along with her wounded friend. She has scar tissue and she will never be a standard of perfection due to the injury, but she is alive and I'm so proud of her. She could have decided she wasn't going to live and not eat, but she was very determined to live no matter the struggle.
We are in the process of fencing off the back of the property, so this doesn't happen again.
I wanted to share in case someone also has a hen that was attacked but survived. I have healthcare experience, but I'm certainly no vet or doctor and I'm sure I could have done something better. This is what I had on hand and I felt like I needed to act quickly to ensure survival.
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