baby with head injury

[Rushdoggie]

I am sick, yesterday I had a baby escape her enclosure in the coop and the adult hens attacked her and literally pecked her head to the bone and shes missing skin on her neck. I really thought she was going to die, but amazingly she seems to be doing ok, eating and drinking.

I had her in a hospital box, but today she told me plainly she wanted out, so she has a little area in our garage and we had some outside time on the patio.

I have the avian wound spray and I have some antibiotics I figured out the dose of and gave her, and put electrolytes in her water which she really seems to like and shes drinking a lot.

Questions:

1. with such an open wound I worry about flies and maggots, but I also think maybe leaving it open is better. Should I try to cover it? when shes ready to go back outside how can I keep flies from getting her?

2. will the skin actually grow over such a big open hole?

3. if shes in with another chick will they peck at her wound?

Any other advice appreciates. I will post a pic, but warning its really gross. Poor girl looks like a vulture.

 

[moniquem]

OMG, poor little baby. This seems to be the season for established hens to scalp new chicks, this is not the first time I've seen this on here and surprisingly chicks come through it ok.

I don't have any advice as I'm a new chicken owner but I'm thinking positive thoughts for you

 

[CarpCharacin]

I'd keep her separated until the wound heals more. It's a pretty bad wound, but I think it should heal, provided it is kept clean, and doesn't get infected. I'd suggest putting some petroleum jelly on the wound to protect it.

 

[ShannonR]

1. Maybe flies, not too likely. Bluekote or keeping it clean solves that. And no, do not cover.

2. Yes.

3. Very possibly. Keep a close eye on it.