Caring For Your Chicken After A Fox Attack

If your chicken has been attacked by a fox, it is important to first tend to any injured birds and give them somewhere quiet and secure to recover. Check for any obvious wounds and clean them to prevent infection. You can use Vetericyn spray or Manuka honey cream to help keep the wound clean. If there is significant bleeding or swelling, or if the chicken is struggling to lift its head, you may need to seek veterinary advice. To prevent future fox attacks, you can build a fox-proof enclosure with netting and chicken wire, use scent repellents or ultrasonic devices, or consider getting a guardian dog.

Check for injuries and tend to any wounds

After experiencing a fox attack, your first instinct will be to pick up any injured chickens and tend to them. Check for any obvious wounds, such as bleeding, swelling, or puncture wounds. If there is bleeding, apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding. If there are puncture wounds, clean them thoroughly to prevent infection. You can use Vetericyn spray or Manuka honey cream, which is a natural antibiotic, antifungal, and antioxidant that also discourages flies from landing and laying eggs. Keep the injured chicken in a fly-free building.

If the chicken is having difficulty lifting its head, it may have suffered a head injury. Observe its breathing and provide assistance with drinking if needed. You can also give children's liquid ibuprofen to help with pain and reduce inflammation.

In some cases, the chicken may seem to be behaving normally after an attack, but it is still important to check for any hidden injuries. Look for any lost feathers, as this may indicate trauma to the chicken's skin.

If you are unsure of the extent of the injuries, it is always best to seek veterinary advice. A veterinarian can provide guidance on wound care and pain management, as well as advise on any further treatments or interventions that may be necessary for the chicken's recovery.

Reduce the risk of future attacks by using scent repellents or ultrasonic devices

One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of future fox attacks on your chickens is to build a fox-proof enclosure. This can be a simple construction project, utilizing materials such as trellis panels, wooden posts, and heavy-duty chicken wire. Ensure that the wire is buried at least 10 to 12 inches underground and turned outwards to prevent foxes from digging their way in. Additionally, consider adding fence wall spikes to the top of the fences, especially if there are potential access points nearby, such as a neighbour's shed.

Another option to deter foxes is to use scent repellents, which target a fox's keen sense of smell. These repellents mimic certain odours that signal to foxes that another animal has taken over their territory. Foxes instinctively avoid confrontation, so they are likely to move on. Scent repellents are a cheap and reasonably effective solution, but they do require regular application. Scoot is a popular and best-selling scent-based deterrent in the UK.

You can also target a fox's acute sense of hearing with ultrasonic devices. These devices emit a very high-pitched burst of noise that startles the fox without being audible to humans. Once set up, ultrasonic deterrents require minimal ongoing effort and can be effective at keeping foxes away from your chickens. One top-selling noise deterrent is the Rentokil Fox Deterrent, which is easy to set up and operates day and night, in all weather conditions.

Build a fox-proof enclosure with netting and strong wire

Building a fox-proof enclosure is a great way to protect your chickens from future fox attacks. Here are some detailed steps to create a secure and effective enclosure:

Firstly, assess the area you want to enclose. Utilise any existing structures such as fences or walls; they can form the sides of your enclosure. Determine how many additional sides you need to construct and plan the layout accordingly.

For the additional sides, purchase sturdy and durable materials such as wooden posts or trellis panels. Ensure the height is sufficient to prevent foxes from jumping over; a height of 6 feet is often recommended.

Now, it's time to assemble the enclosure. Fix the wooden posts or panels securely into the ground, ensuring they are stable and cannot be easily knocked over. If using panels, you can attach them to the existing structures with strong wire or netting.

To prevent foxes from digging their way in, bury wire fencing at least 10 to 12 inches underground around the entire perimeter of the enclosure. Turn the wire outwards by about 8 inches, then cover it with rubble or bricks before returning the soil. This method will make it extremely difficult for foxes to dig under the fence.

Finally, add a layer of netting across the top of the enclosure. This will prevent foxes from climbing into the enclosure from above. Ensure the netting is securely attached to the structure and that there are no gaps that a fox could exploit.

By following these steps, you can create a safe and secure environment for your chickens, giving you peace of mind and protecting your flock from potential fox attacks.

Treat stress and shock by keeping chickens in a secure and quiet place

A fox attack can be a traumatic event for your chickens, and they may experience stress and shock afterward. It is important to treat this psychological trauma in addition to any physical injuries.

Firstly, locate all your chickens. After a fox attack, it is common for chickens to be in hiding, so thoroughly check your garden or free-range area. Look for feathers and follow any trails to locate injured chickens that the fox might return for.

Once you have accounted for all your chickens, separate the injured birds from the rest of the flock and place them in a secure and quiet area. Keep them together in this calm environment for at least a day. This will help them recover from the shock of the attack and allow you to tend to their wounds.

In this quiet location, assess each chicken for any wounds or injuries. Common injuries from fox attacks include puncture wounds, gashes, and head trauma. Even if your chickens seem to be behaving normally, they may have internal injuries or infections that require veterinary attention.

If your chickens are injured, you can administer pain medication to ease their discomfort. Additionally, clean any wounds and apply a natural antibiotic, such as Manuka honey or Vetericyn spray, to prevent infection. Keep injured chickens in a fly-free building to avoid further complications.

During this time, provide extra care and attention to your chickens. They may need coaxing and soothing to return to a calmer state. Ensure they have access to food and water and are able to eat and drink without assistance. If they are struggling to eat or drink on their own, you may need to assist them until they recover.

Administer pain medication and antibiotics to prevent infection

Administering pain medication and antibiotics is crucial to help alleviate your chicken's pain and prevent infection after a fox attack. While chickens have a higher body temperature that naturally discourages bacterial growth, open wounds can still become infected.

If your chicken is struggling to lift its head, exhibiting labored movements, or has visible wounds, it is likely experiencing pain. You can give children's liquid ibuprofen to the chicken orally, following the dosage recommended by Dr. Jeanne Smith: 0.15 cc per pound of body weight, twice daily. This will help manage the chicken's pain and make it more comfortable during its recovery.

To prevent infection, it is essential to clean the wounds thoroughly. You can use a product like Vetericyn spray, which will help keep the wound clean and free from infection. Additionally, Manuka honey or Manuka honey cream acts as a natural antibiotic, antifungal, and antioxidant. Applying this to the wound will help keep it moist and healthy, promoting proper healing.

In some cases, particularly if the wounds are severe or show signs of infection, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian. They may prescribe additional medications or recommend specific treatments to ensure the chicken's optimal recovery.

Remember, each chicken's recovery process may vary, so closely monitor their progress and adjust their care as needed.

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