Barred Rocks rooster mauled by raccoon

[taosmtnmom]

G'morning and thanks in advance.
My young (5 mos) rooster was mauled by a coon yesterday morning while scratching in the garden. All feathers from his back are gone and most of them from around his rectum. He has several bites of flesh missing on his back and sides. My biggest and immediate concern is a 3x5 piece of skin that's been torn off. I can see the fat layer. Besides all this and some bruising on his legs, he seems alright. My question is how to deal with the large wound. I've used a spray-on antibiotic pain reliever but I'm not sure what product to use to keep the wound soft as it heals. Your advice and counsel is appreciated.

 

[Kiki]

Sorry you are in this situation.
First thing...do not use anything with "pain reliever" in it.
It's NOT good for chickens.
Second...you have to keep it clean, water will work.
Third..you may want to bring him inside until he scabs over so flies don't lay eggs in the wound and you end up with maggots/flystrike.

Veterycin makes a good SPRAY that sprays pretty hard which will help keep the wound clean.

 

[taosmtnmom]

Sorry you are in this situation.
First thing...do not use anything with "pain reliever" in it.
It's NOT good for chickens.
Second...you have to keep it clean, water will work.
Third..you may want to bring him inside until he scabs over so flies don't lay eggs in the wound and you end up with maggots/flystrike.

Veterycin makes a good SPRAY that sprays pretty hard which will help keep the wound clean.

He's inside. Thank you for the Veterycin suggestion. Another concern is keeping the wound soft as it heals. Here's a pic of most of the large wound.

 

[Kiki]

You may want to read through this recent thread, which had a very similar wound, pictures included:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/ripped-skin.1182602/#post-18651819

 

[Kiki]

He's inside. Thank you for the Veterycin suggestion. Another concern is keeping the wound soft as it heals. Here's a pic of most of the large wound.

I'm not sure what you mean by "keeping it soft".

It may just be because I haven't finished my coffee yet.

 

[coach723]

I would use the veterycin spray or plain neosporin ointment. Both will help with healing. It looks pretty clear in the picture, but if any feathers are getting in the wound, cut them back. Just watch for any signs of infection and keep it as clean as possible.
Here is a link with lots of pictures of a similar wound by a racoon attack, which may help you in knowing what the healing process will look like: http://richie-cunningham.com/2012/04/11/chicken-wound-healing-process/

 

[taosmtnmom]

I'm not sure what you mean by "keeping it soft".

It may just be because I haven't finished my coffee yet.

I'm still on my first cup.
You know how wounds will get dry and sometimes crack? That's what I'm thinking of. I'll read the link you sent. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

 

[taosmtnmom]

I'm still on my first cup.
You know how wounds will get dry and sometimes crack? That's what I'm thinking of. I'll read the link you sent. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

So, I read the link you sent. Super helpful!! Thank you so much. I was determined to help my -once so beautiful- rooster, now I'm confident as well. Internet Hugs!

 

[taosmtnmom]

I would use the veterycin spray or plain neosporin ointment. Both will help with healing. It looks pretty clear in the picture, but if any feathers are getting in the wound, cut them back. Just watch for any signs of infection and keep it as clean as possible.
Here is a link with lots of pictures of a similar wound by a racoon attack, which may help you in knowing what the healing process will look like: http://richie-cunningham.com/2012/04/11/chicken-wound-healing-process/

Thank you! This is a perfect link for helping the boy. I'll update in a few days.

 

[Kiki]

Great!
I am glad I could point you in the right direction.
Please keep us updated!