Attacked by Coons, I don't know what to do now

[SweetHeart]

Very early this morning four coons visited my Cornish Rock Cross chickens in their movable pen. One died and I have two injuries. It looks like they were just scratched up real bad. One might make it, but I don't know about the other one. It is exposed down to the bone. What should I do with it, or should I just leave it alone for now? I was also told that if it was bitten by the coon, we can't eat it. How do I know if it was bit or just clawed up? It seems to be in a lot of pain. It mostly sleeps and eats a little when I put some feed in front of it. Advice??

 

[Chick Charm]

I would separate injured birds individually. Clean the wounds out with water and actually hold the chicken and manually clean with a clean cloth. I would even gauze wrap if need be to keep out most bacteria. Put them on clean bedding and watch them for the next week or longer.

If a Cornish recovers to be healthy "I personally would process and eat". I do know that coons carry some nasty bacteria on them so I would wait a while till the chicken heals. Coon poo can actually be deadly to infants and toddlers as you may already be aware of. However we are not talking about their poo here.

Wish you the best. Keep an eye out for those masked bandits.

 

[SweetHeart]

Both chickens survived the night. They are both eating some and drinking. We also added some painkiller to the water. The worse one's foot has now turned completely purple. Otherwise they both appear no worse and no better than yesterday.

 

[Chick Charm]

Those are some pretty nasty wounds so they may get worse before they get better. Hoping the best for ya.

 

[ten chicks]

Are you using some kind of antibiotic on wounds? I have used Vetericyn VF wound and infection treatment,product is amazing. Just watch for infection and symptoms of chickens being in shock. They may exhibit signs of fear,when they are ready to return to their coop,this is normal after any horrific attack. Hope your chicks are doing better.

 

[SweetHeart]

The only thing I have right now is hydrogen peroxide. I've been pouring some over the wounds several times a day. The swelling has gone down some, but the foot itself is still swollen and a purple/black color. What are the symptoms of shock? Should I maybe have a heat lamp on them?

 

[ten chicks]

How old are the chickens? I'm guessing that the purple color is bruising.Keep her warm and quiet,darkened area. Has she had anything to drink? Maybe put some electrolytes in water for her. Has she eaten? Try scrambled eggs. A heat lamp would not hurt,provided they do not get to warm. Also wear gloves to treat wounds. Wounds should have a dressing on them if flies will be a problem. Make sure the two chicks do not peck at each others wounds,they are notorious little raptors. A homemade electrolyte recipe: (The Chicken Encyclopedia by Gail Dameron) 1/2 teaspoon salt substitute(if none available,just omit ) 1 teaspoon baking soda,1 teaspoon table salt,
1 Tablespoon sugar,1 gallon water.

 

[FenikT]

I had a coon attack one of my 7wk old chicks in the run last night. I had three chicks in a large metal dog crate (which I thought was secure). This was their first night outdoors (and not caged in the garage). I was awoke to the sound of a frustrated coon. I went to the run and saw a boar coon running up the nearby tree. After scaring him off, I noticed my largest chick had its leg pulled out of the cage and he wasn't moving. He was still alive however his leg was clearly dislocated and a large portion of the skin on his thigh exposed the underlying muscle. I unfortunately determined the wound was too grievous to permit quality of life, so I dispatched and buried him.

Needless to say, I'm mad as hell. Secondly, looks like the remaining two chicks will be housed in the garage until they can be introduced into the coop w/ the hens. Lastly, I ordered a 220# conibear and can-style coon traps on Amazon this morning. Coons are done.

 

[SweetHeart]

They are 4weeks old. There was no change this morning. The foot is still very blackish purple and limp. When I pick her up to clean it, the foot just flops around. It smells really bad. I'm thinking that one won't make it. The other one is doing fine. We have caught and killed two coons so far.

 

[ten chicks]

Sounds like leg may be broken,smell is severe infection. Quality of life is not there,then there is only one thing too do. I'm so sorry for you.