Sorry about your hen.
On the hawk the only things to protect them is a covered run or a good livestock guard dog.
Marla
I had a lovely speckled sussex die last night. She seemed a bit out of sorts two days ago; usually she's a wanderer, searching for bugs all day long and that day she stuck close to other hens. Yesterday morning, she was laying down in the coop, wouldn't eat, a bit fluffed up, healthy comb, definitely skinny.... so I separated her and gave her sulmet in her water and made sure she was staying hydrated. Usually when I have a sick hen, they are fluffed for several days, their combs are pale, and I think they're goners for sure. But I've had luck with the sulmet; it's saved probably 4 out of 5 hens in similar circumstances. I always assume coccidiosis is to blame, even though there's never been bloody poo. What could have caused this gal to decline so fast? She's 5 yrs old; could it be cancer or something weird? My chickens have been getting weekly herbal wormer from Hoegger's (perhaps not strong enough?) and there's no sign of mites or lice.
Second question: I have a broad winged hawk that's scoping out my yard lately. Any way to deter hawks? I wish my flock was enclosed in a cage all the time but I do spoil them and let them wander about. Are we doomed?! We've been so lucky for 5 yrs now without any predators striking!
Many thanks!
Kristen in Vermont
CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com
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