The Tale of Ethel's Attack

 If you recall, I received six re-homed girls two(?) years ago when a local family decided life was too hectic to keep birds.  One of those beauties was Ethel.  I've always called her Baby Ethel which makes no sense since she's one of the larger hens.

Two weeks ago the girls had been out for free range time and I approached the gate to bring everyone back in.  At that moment a large bird flew off from the pasture and then I saw Ethel.  As I took in the scene, the two roos were sounding the distress call and most of the hens were in the coop, while two or three were crouched in bushes.  But Ethel had apparently been in the open in the pasture.

I don't know what type of predator bird it was - sure didn't look like a hawk but it happened so quickly.

I carried Ethel to the coop and she made her way to a space under the nesting boxes, breathing heavily and clearly scared to death.  I saw no blood.
We wanted to let her calm down so let her stay sheltered in the coop overnight but in the morning brought her inside to a large dog crate in the basement.  It was clear she had a  mobility issue so Rick pressed legs and feet to test for injury, but she showed no signs of pain.

Although it's a large crate she stayed fairly sedentary.  I offered her treats like bananas and Grubblies and mixed up some aspirin water (one baby aspirin per quart).  After six days we took her outside to test her mobility and she appeared improved but not 100%.  So back to the basement for another three days.

This past Sunday we decided to let her join the flock while keeping an eye on her.  She had a little hitch in her running but walked fine.  Now, several days later we're not noticing any issues.  And, although she seemed content in the crate during her convalescence, she's clearly happy to be back with the gang.

No need for the vet appointment I had made, just in case (of course I cancelled with notice).

I'm not certain, but don't believe she's ventured into the donkey pasture since the incident.

And for your viewing amusement, here's knucklehead Spice using a wheelbarrow handle as a Q-tip.

Stay cool!