Broody Hen Under the Coop

[lolotsung]

I read this on the Purina site: "Molt typically lasts eight to 16 weeks...Molt usually occurs in autumn..." So, can the speckled sussex may be moulting because I see them losing a feather here and there but nothing like last autumn when it seemed like all their feathers fell off one day.

[lolotsung]

Our neighbour's dogs came by again and this time one of them bit our rooster in the back of the neck. I told my husband to speed up the installation of the gate before we have no chickens left! He might have a few puncture wounds or maybe blood from feathers being ripped out? I rinsed with saline water and sprayed some Bactine (benzalkonium,chrloride 0.13% w/w, lidocaine, hydrochloride 2.5% w/w) in the area. Is this OK for cleaning chicken wounds? I also put him in a dog crate in the garage by himself. Is this ok? or would it be better to leave him with the flock?

[Kbr42]

Put some polysporin (without the pain additive)on the wound. They will do better with the flock. But he may be in shock. I would keep him separated until he feel more like himself again. Make sure his wounds will not attract the other to peck him. They love the colour red. Good luck and 'Build that Fence' !

[Killerbunny]

Get some BluKote or Blue liquid from Peavey mart horse Aisle. Dab it on to deter pecking.
Also #4 shot works quite well, we use steel shot in case the chickens pick it up. SOrry to be non PC on that one but it is a solution!

[WLLady]

sounds like your girls were stressed, and hiding and once they felt safe they came out. They won't lay until the predator issue is dealt with. And sounds like the neighbours dog is having fun.....sometimes a good blast from a super soaker with hot pepper mixed in with the water is enough to keep the dogs from coming back, but more often than not it doesn't end well for the flock. if you can keep your birds in the coop until the neighbour can keep the dog(s) home....and get that fence in, and then if the dog crosses the fence (some can jump, others will dig under) then i'm afraid i would do the same with the steel shot. i've run dogs off my land with an ATV and told owners if they come back they will meet some steel shot....they didn't come back......

[Happy]

I don't like any of my neighbours as much as I like my chickens. Just saying...
Hope your guy is OK.

[Killerbunny]

What was that meme thing "Neighbour said "Hi!" I need to move"

[Happy]

[Killerbunny]

That's the one @Happy !

[Ontario Chick]

Sorry, this takes me back to 1990...
Yes, I swear I heard somebody say "back in the Nineties" and I thought didn't it just happen ?????

Anyways in the Nineties I was going to Stratford on regular bases on business and since it was a lovely town I thought I would bring DH, stay in a nice hotel for couple of days and take in couple of plays.

All went very well, until the next morning, when going for an early walk by the river, EVERY person we passed said GOOD MORNING, which of course meant we had to answer and look polite and charming, after the third "incident" I said Thats it, one more person smiles and says Good Morning, I am going home !!!!! :)