A Sick,Bullied Hen and a Worried Momma

[Kori]

We have this one hen that always gets picked on. At first it was just our duck trying to mate her and tearing up her back side,but he killed one of our laying hens so we got rid of him. Before the hen got killed,we had issolated the bullied hen in the coop with the door closed until she healed. But when she finally healed and we let her out,our roosters beat her up and tore up her backside again! This has happened 3 times and she won't leave the coop even when the door is open. There was an open wound,that healed but it is taking her longer to heal this time. Her whole backside has no feathers and has been like that for 1.5 months. Whats wrong? And,is there any way to bathe a chicken? Her hay went stale before I got the chance to muck out the chicken coop and now she stinks to where I don't want to pet her. Could that be the problem? When the hay went stale is there a chance the wound could have gotten infected? She is a sweet hen that I love to death and she openly climbs on me and eats from my hand. I named her Little Red and can't bear to lose her! Please help me! And there is no way we can take her to any kind of vet,it all has to be done at home. But I can buy certain things if the need arises.

Please reply I'm worried sick!

 

[Kori]

I really need some help! Please anybody! Could i wash her with a warm wash cloth? And she dosn't peck at it,but she does get agitated when I touch it. Is there ANY chance it could be infected? I'm new to this kinda stuff,and have no clue whatsoever

 

[Kori]

I cleaned the coop out but she looks distressed. It dosnt look infected but I wouldnt know what an infected wound would look like on a chicken.....I'm so worried she won't make it

 

[wamflock]

If she will let you wash it do so with warm soapy water. Dry with paper towels as they will soak up any water in the feathers. If there is a odor coming from that area more than likely it is infected. Get some blue kote and spray that on the area. If you have a vet in the area the treats chickens wouldn't hurt to take her. Good luck

 

[Brookliner]

I stand my hens up in the sink in warm water with dawn dishwashing soap I let them soak 10-15 minutes then wash the area and rinse well with warm water. Dry her with an old terry cloth towel and blow her backside dry with a hair dryer on warm holding it about 6 inches away from her feathers and keep moving it.







This is a picture of my bantam cochin frizzle hen Julia being dried after a bath. She really likes the warm air.

Once your hen is dry examine the area to see if there is anything like pus, smell the wound does it smell bad? If it smells bad or there is pus you have an infection and need antibiotics. If NO pus or bad smell. put antibiotic cream (the kind without pain killer) on the wound. Keep the hen separate from the other chickens. Keep an eye on the wound it might need to be cleaned again... reapply the cream...daily. Give her electrolytes in her water. Chick Saver is one kind you can get at the feed store.
Hope that your hen gets well soon. Don't put her back in a situation where she is going to get beaten up. She might have to be separated with another hen that is low on the pecking order.