Large wound. Need advice please. Graphic picture.

[Doodle777]

This is my 9 month old Lavender Orpington hen Izzy. The wound is under her left wing. This was caused by her rooster over mating her. The area where my fingers are is a big flap of skin. I have been cleaning it for the past few days with Vetricyn and ordered her a saddle, which should be here tomorrow.
Any suggestion of what else I can be doing for her?
Thank you all in advance for your time.

 

[One Chick Two]

So sorry this happened.

Sometimes the hens molt and the roosters are amorous, and tears happen.
Looks like you've already cleaned it.

Do you have a small cage that you could keep in the shaded coop or run to put her in with food and water? I always separate out any animals that have wounds as other chickens will peck them and make them much worse, but keep them in the midst of the flock so on re entry there isn't too much bullying. Blue Kote helps, but I don't like to put it on anything open. I use it when I see scabbing. Keep an eye out for infection.

I wouldn't put the saddle on until she has some healing so the air can get to it. Also, watch for abrading straps. I would likely put it on a few days before putting her back in the flock, so she gets used to it and doesn't try to tear it off. I would also put one or more on a few other hens so she does not become a huge bullied target.

 

[Doodle777]

Thank you for the advice. She is the head hen and that rooster is know gone as he became very aggressive towards me as well. I have been keeping a very close eye on her and have not seen any of the others picking at it. She is in with a small flick of 4 including herself. But I have noticed that each time I clean it, she starts picking at it. Any advice as to how I can get her to leave it alone? She is eating and drinking like normal. So that's good. Also, will the flap of skin that's hanging just die and fall off?

 

[One Chick Two]

Thank you for the advice. She is the head hen and that rooster is know gone as he became very aggressive towards me as well. I have been keeping a very close eye on her and have not seen any of the others picking at it. She is in with a small flick of 4 including herself. But I have noticed that each time I clean it, she starts picking at it. Any advice as to how I can get her to leave it alone? She is eating and drinking like normal. So that's good. Also, will the flap of skin that's hanging just die and fall off?

The others may not have pecked her wound yet, but once one tries it, there is no end to it. We have a molting hen who recently was sliced from back to thigh by a slipping rooster, and found her gaping wound afterward, when the others decided she was delicious. After cleaning her wound up, we didn't do much else to the wound, and let it heal in a large cage inside the henhouse while monitoring it for infection, and carefully watching her appetite, pain level, activity, etc. and dealing with those things as necessary. She would pick at it occasionally and reopen it, but eventually, her skin closed, but her skin did not fall off. Don't know if it will be the same for your hen.

I put Blue Kote on it once the wound was around a quarter size, and there was a good scab. And even then I could tell that it stung. The body is an incredible healer.

 

[Doodle777]

Good point!
How long did it take for yours to heal?
We have an Avian specialist about 2 1/2 hours from here, she is wonderful. I'm wondering if I should take Izzy in to see her. I'm worried about infection since it is so deep.

 

[One Chick Two]

Good point!
How long did it take for yours to heal?
We have an Avian specialist about 2 1/2 hours from here, she is wonderful. I'm wondering if I should take Izzy in to see her. I'm worried about infection since it is so deep.

Took weeks, but our hen never did become infected. You can't see the wound site anymore, even though it was pretty deep at first.

If you have a professional who will actually see your chicken, that might be an excellent solution. Let us know what happens!

 

[Doodle777]

I already emailed the Vet pictures and plan on calling first thing in the morning, to see what she suggests. I will let you know how it goes. Fingers crossed!

 

[MuranoFarms]

I would at least butterfly that flap down. Pluck or clip feathers so the bandages stick to the skin, but you want it to heal closed....not dry out wide open. Preferably suture it....but if you don't have them on hand, hold it closed with band aids butterfly style.

Good luck
Lisa

 

[awesome124]

Go to a chicken feed store and find some medication that will help the wound heal. Isolate her from the flock and make sure she has plenty of food and water. Make sure she is warm if its cold or cool if it's hot. Give her some treats such as mealworms, grapes, or a little yoghurt to cheer her up!

 

[Doodle777]

Wanted to give everyone an update on Izzy. I brought her to the specialist last week and it's amazing how much better she looks!!! I couldn't believe it when I picked her up about 5 hours later. For anyone who lives in New England, I would highly recommend Dr.Fulton in Portsmouth. She also fixed my ducks really bad prolapse.
Izzy started picking at her sutures as soon as we got home, so I put a saddle on her. They sent her home with liquid antibiotics and pain meds.