Accidental Tearing of Large (~2"x5") Section of Feathers AND Skin

[EasterEggerRose]

We have a Sapphire Gem hen that was hatched in early April. She was part of a batch of chicks that we raised together in a mobile chicken coop/mini run until they got big enough to join our existing flock in the big coop. They've been successfully integrated, but only a few automatically go to the big coop at night, so the kids' job is to carry any remaining ones in at night. When my daughter went to grab this particular hen, she didn't get the best grip, and the hen started flapping around/away. My daughter had hold of one of her legs and was trying to grab her gently around the neck/chest area to pull her back, but instead was left with a large swatch of feathers stuck to a section of skin. She was able to catch her gently again and called for me. The wound is on the breast area and had only a drop or two of blood, but the open area looks like what a butchered chicken would have. It's like a chicken breast you'd see at ALDI or something.

It was late, and the kids were all bawling, so I took an ACE bandage and wrapped it around her core to cover the wound and then isolated her in the mini coop/run for the night. She was still walking and chirping as usual, and she didn't seem to be in pain.

Is there any hope of survival? Or should we put her down? I can try to get pics in the morning.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Do you have any of the following:

Triple antibiotic ointment that does NOT have any pain reliever in it? This is important, the pain reliever is toxic to chickens.

OR

Veterycin Gel Spray

OR

Vaseline?

If you have any of these coat her breast with one of them, leave it uncovered, and keep her in dark place for the night.

And I will tag @Eggcessive and @coach723, a couple of our Educators, to advise you further.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I'm sorry this happened, both to your chicken and, more importantly, to your daughter. Please assure her, this was not her fault. Chickens do stupid things like this all the time and with time it will probably be just fine. The important thing is your daughter meant no harm. And give her lots of these:

 

[EasterEggerRose]

Do you have any of the following:

Triple antibiotic ointment that does NOT have any pain reliever in it? This is important, the pain reliever is toxic to chickens.

OR

Veterycin Gel Spray

OR

Vaseline?

If you have any of these coat her breast with one of them, leave it uncovered, and keep her in dark place for the night.

And I will tag @Eggcessive and @coach723, a couple of our Educators, to advise you further.

Thank you!!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Good luck with her.

 

[EasterEggerRose]

I actually make a salve based in beeswax from our hives that includes vitamin e oil, Shea butter, sweet almond oil, and coconut oil. Do you think that would be okay? The beeswax seals in moisture and works like a barrier cream (we use it for chapped hands and diaper rash, as well as cuts in the winter that can't heal because of the dry weather).

 

[EasterEggerRose]

Good luck with her.

Thank you. ,

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I actually make a salve based in beeswax from our hives that includes vitamin e oil, Shea butter, sweet almond oil, and coconut oil. Do you think that would be okay? The beeswax seals in moisture and works like a barrier cream (we use it for chapped hands and diaper rash, as well as cuts in the winter that can't heal because of the dry weather).

Yes. Honey will work too and there is a certain kind of honey for wounds I can't remember the name of. .. honey is antibiotic antibacterial and antiseptic so you might add some to your ointment if you wish. . You just want to keep it moist. I make an ointment that's cocoa butter based with coconut oil and olive oil for my hands and minor wounds. Sounds good. Chickens are tough, it's surprising what they can survive.

Edited for accuracy.