Our chickens are very depressed

[piper123]

I have one rooster and two hens that have recently become extremely depressed. They don't eat hardly at all, they don't want to get out of their cage in the mornings, and when they do, they just lay in the barn or on the porch all day. I know it's because just last week we lost the main hen of their flock to a predator. We also lost three other members of their flock just about three weeks ago to a neighbor's dog and that's when some of the depression started, although it just got really bad since the last hen died. Actually, in the last eight months we've gone from nearly thirty chickens down to these three, mostly from a stray husky that got into two coops and killed almost all of our chickens. Anyway, I know this is why they are depressed, but I'm wondering what I can do for them. Should we get more chickens to put in their flock? Or do you think they'll eventually get over it? Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Can you post photos of your housing (coops/runs), the remaining chickens (how they look depressed) and of their poop?
Letting us know your general location in the world can also be helpful.

Do you have a place to keep them like a secured run and coop so they are protected from predators? Once they re-establish their pecking order and feel more secure, they may perk up.

Personally, I would not add more chickens until you get your predator problem under control. Secure coop/run, electric fencing and shotgun would all be a good start.

 

[aart]

Good questions and suggestions above.

Looks like you had an issue with depredation last fall too.

We live in northwest Florida

It's hot...they may be dehydrated, as well as stressed and leery from the attack(s).
A dose of Sav-A-Chick electrolytes/vitamins may perk them up enough to start eating more.