Bantam hen taken by hawk RETURNS -and needs help!*UPDATES in comments*

[jjthink]

Re: your question about pain, the usual rec on BYC is 5 regular (325 mg) aspirin (no substitutes) crushed per gallon of water.

Have you been able to check her for puncture or other wounds? (I know it must be hard because she's been through hell and you don't want to stress her..). If she has any wounds in addition to the broken wing she may well need antibiotics.

Sending lots of good wishes for Fifi.
JJ

 

[mlheran]

jjthink - Yes, I checked her over and didn't find any other scratches, punctures, swellings, or traces of blood. I'm applying the eye-antibiotic to the scratch under her eye as directed, and she's opened that eye wider so I think that's going well at least.

Thank you all again!!

 

[mlheran]

UPDATE 12/3

I'm so happy to report that Fifi has really bounced back today! Last night I had to give her dropper/syringe-fuls of water (+ vitamins), but when I went out this morning she was drinking on her own. She has since drunk a ton of water, nibbled some feed, and passed some healthy poops. She also walks around and "talks" more, which I'm so happy to hear again!

My question now is, how long should I keep her wing bandaged and how long before I can reintroduce her? Also, should I bring in my other bantam pullet to keep her company and help with the readjustment when she goes back in the flock, or would it be better to leave things as is?

 

[jjthink]

So glad to hear Fifi is doing well!
If the 2 girls get along well, she may prosper from having company. You can always separate again if there is pecking or other damaging behavior.

I don't know the answer about the wing...but would think it would take awhile...

Sending good wishes for continued healing...thanks for helping her.
JJ

 

[mlheran]

Thanks for the advice, jjthink!

I read a site about fixing broken pidgeon wings and they said to keep it wrapped for two to four weeks. So unless I hear differently from you chicken people I will try that!

In another day or so I will try bringing her flockmate Sophie in with her -I'm hoping that it will make it easier to bring them both back into the flock together, instead of just Fifi alone.

Thanks again everyone, and wish me continued luck!

 

[jjthink]

Here's wishing!