An Accident has Occurred

[alexisrambles]

I lost three chickens yesterday. I'm managing better now, but of course two of my favorites were in there. I'm gonna have to write an article about it. Crushing accident with moving the chicken tractor...

Two were injured though. One was limping and one has a swollen shut eye and was gasping a bit. The one with a limp is recovering quickly, but I'm not sure the girl with the swollen eye (Miss Priss) is eating. She isn't gasping any more though.
I'm going to put her in chicken hospital this afternoon. Any advice on what to do with her? So far I'm thinking electrolytes and rest/warmth?

 

[sealer39]

Can’t help with the medical aspect. But, I only move the tractor about 1/2 before sunset. That way I can let all the chickens out to free range a bit till I get everything moved. They can’t get very far away before they are ready to roost for the night and I don’t have to worry about running them over with their big run or the tractor.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm sorry to hear about your losses.

You mention you will be putting the one with a swollen eye and gasping in the chicken hospital this afternoon, where is she now? I would separate and put her in the hospital now. If she is gasping she may be in shock, so keep her warm. When she has stabilized a bit, access her injuries and offer her some fluids. Swelling of the eye, did she get her head/neck hung up underneath the tractor?

Photos will be helpful.

 

[alexisrambles]

Hey guys, here are some pictures. The accident happened yesterday while I was at work. My grandfather thought he would surprise me by moving the tractor....
Well needless to say I was surprised.

She was with the others but I decided to put her in chicken hospital before work, even if I am late. I was worried about the others picking at her. She drank a lot of water once I showed her where it is like a chick. Not sure how much sight she has in the good eye. Pupil shows dilation at light and movement though so maybe there is hope.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Drinking is good.
With something like this, you just have to wait and see how it goes. Give her some time.

I'm sure your Grandfather didn't mean any harm. Bless his heart, he must feel bad about the whole thing.

 

[alexisrambles]

Okay so I gave her a good look over. I found a crusty place under her wing, and after I cleaned her off this is what I found.


I think it's just scraped up, but it seems to hurt a lot from her screeches. Then again I had to detach some pretty glued in feathers so I'm sure it wasn't fun. I wanted to see more but I don't want to bathe her thoroughly until the chance of shock is past.

She is spending her time in the little towel nest I made her. She is eating and drinking and seems better now that I showed her where food is.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

It's good that you found that and flushed it well. Apply triple antibiotic ointment or Vetericyn to the wound daily. Keep an eye on it for signs of infection. Eating/drinking is good. I would let her rest for a while, then look her over for any more injuries.

 

[alexisrambles]

It's good that you found that and flushed it well. Apply triple antibiotic ointment or Vetericyn to the wound daily. Keep an eye on it for signs of infection. Eating/drinking is good. I would let her rest for a while, then look her over for any more injuries.

Would you recommend the regular Vetericyn or the Poultry-specific one?

 

[BlueBaby]

Ouch! It look's like those chicken tractor's aren't such a good idea after all.

 

[alexisrambles]

Ouch! It look's like those chicken tractor's aren't such a good idea after all.

Yeah this seemed like a terrific idea... until this. I posted an article about it and everything. I want people to know this is possible so maybe, MAYBE the next person doesn't have to lose their favorites.