A new member w/an injured chicken

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StephiJo

StephiJo

Hatching
7 Years
Feb 15, 2012
6
1
7
Hi everyone! I am a new member to this site. I have 4 backyard hens of my own who are a delight each and every day. But right now, I have a problem. A friend's 3 chickens were attacked by a dog; one died, one is fine, and one is severely injured. My friend is out of town on vacation. I took the injured chicken to the vet and she was stitched up and will be sent home w/me tonight on antibiotics & anti-inflammatory meds. I plan to keep her in a large dog crate and nurse her back to health. Does anyone have any advice for me? I've never had to deal with this type of thing before and am nervous. Also, will the remaining chicken be okay on her own until we can re-introduce the injured gal to the coop? Thanks for any help/advice you can all give.

Stephi Jo!
 
Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!
LL
 
The reason I ask is because I have nursed a hen back before from a flesh wound on her side behind the wing. The wound was about 7" long. After the vet wouldn't give her care and we couldn't find a suture kit, we stitched her up ourselves with a regular needle and thread. We cleaned the wound with iodine and applied bacitracin ointment each day. Chickens are pretty tough. After seven to ten days we removed the stitches. It's been three months and she is still doing fine. I'm sure the other hen that is all alone will be fine as long as she can keep away from predators. You may find better information at:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures
Good Luck!!!
 
Just got Confetti back from the vet. She has over 30 stitches and the wound goes from one side under the wing over her back and under the other wing. I have her tucked away in a sick bed and am spraying the wound w/antiseptic plus giving her oral antibiotics and oral anti inflammatory. I actually saw her eating this evening which I'm sure is a good sign. I'm hoping for the best! Thanks for your comments.
 
welcome-byc.gif
Dog attacks are one of the most common disasters - people just leave the dogs run loose. If confronted with the evidence they either deny it or say "it was just a chicken." I'm sorry this all landed in your life - when they aren't even your chickens. You are a great friend.
 

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