Badly injured Cochin

[coco whitley]

I believe a dog got a hold of my very sweet Black Cochin, by looking at the injuries you would think that she would die however, the injury occurred 4 days ago and she seem to be improving. Do chickens eat if they are mortally wounded? She is still eating, drinking and walking around the yard. We have been doctoring her severe wounds and are amazed that she is still able to move around so well. I don't know what to do, can anyone help me? How can you tell if they are dying?

 

[Judy]

You really can't. I think it sounds like you are doing very well with her!

If they won''t eat or drink, usually they are going to die, so her behavior really sounds hopeful. I don't want to say she will certainly live, of course. But it sounds to me like she deserves the chance. Chickens handle surface wounds very well, even some really ugly ones. Of course it's the internal ones you worry about -- but then, mabe she didn't have any!

I once had a dog pick up a chicken, not 10' from me. Of course I hollered, and the dog immediately dropped the bird. There was not a mark on her and she lived for years. Sometimes they pick them up gently, I guess.

 

[Amastacia]

chickens are amazingly resilient. if she is eating and drinking, odds are good that she will recover. my main concern would be any other chickens picking on her since she is injured.