Another dog attack - help!

[runt325]

She is walking and talking and eating this morning so I'm just going to watch her and keep cleaning the wound. If it's looking like it won't scab over and heal by Monday I'll take her to the vet. She's in a pretty small puppy playpen - not much room to move around.

well that's good that she is better how does she look

 

[mcclucker]

Wound looks pretty much the same. Not bleeding anymore though. Should I try to cut feathers off to get it cleaner? I'm worried if I disturb it too much it will just reopen. Really dense fluff in that area though.

 

[mcclucker]

I'm glad it's Saturday or I'd be tempted to call in sick to work to keep an eye on her. Never thought I would be this attached to a chicken!!

Also my rooster - who was supposed to be a GLW hen but we are keeping him for now - did a terrible job of protecting his girls. I know he's only 4 months old but he was wandering around away from the flock - no attempt to crow to scare off the dog or peck at the dog or anything. He totally failed this test!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

A rooster, no matter what age is generally not going to take on a dog. Yours is an immature cockerel, he is only 4months old. He will in time become an "alarm system" and may step up to take the brunt of an attack to help protect the flock. He may also be the first one that ends up severely injured or dead, but to expect that he can fend of predators without any injuries/casualties is unreasonable.

Keep watch on the wound for any sign of infection, odors, pus, oozing. Keep it clean and apply your ointment.

I hope she recovers soon.

 

[mcclucker]

Okay, I got it. Like I said I'm new to chickens. We weren't planning on a rooster so I haven't done a ton of research either. This dog was barely bigger than the chickens. One of those little fast yappy ones. I'm sure she would have been hurt worse if it was bigger.

The wound definitely looks to be partly a tear on the vent now that swelling has gone down a bit. Since she is still developing and not laying yet - will a vent wound prevent her from being able to lay? Obviously it depends on how it heals I'm sure. Poop is very normal consistency and no blood.

Chickens are tough - I can't imagine clucking around, walking, and eating normally with a wound like that in my nether regions

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Okay, I got it. Like I said I'm new to chickens. We weren't planning on a rooster so I haven't done a ton of research either. This dog was barely bigger than the chickens. One of those little fast yappy ones. I'm sure she would have been hurt worse if it was bigger.

The wound definitely looks to be partly a tear on the vent now that swelling has gone down a bit. Since she is still developing and not laying yet - will a vent wound prevent her from being able to lay? Obviously it depends on how it heals I'm sure. Poop is very normal consistency and no blood.

Chickens are tough - I can't imagine clucking around, walking, and eating normally with a wound like that in my nether regions

You are correct in saying "time will tell" about her vent wound. She is young, so time and healing are on your side. Chickens can have wounds to the vent and have no trouble at all laying eggs.
Her being able to poop with no problem is very good.

Hope all goes well.

Keep us posted.

 

[mcclucker]

Just an update - she spent about 3 days in chicken hospital in the garage and once I got the wound really cleaned and it scabbed over it didn't look quite as bad. She has healed up well and was reintegrated with her peeps. Will have to see about the laying but I can't see any major scarring or anything. Thanks for the help