Bent/Ripped Toenail (not an emergency)

[thecatumbrella]

My pullet managed to mangle her toenail. She's very feather-footed, so it's hard for me to see exactly what's going on, but she was bleeding profusely from the tip of her toe (the fleshy bit) with the nail cocked to one side. I packed the wound with styptic powder to stop the bleeding, but am now at a loss for how to move forward.

She's no longer limping and seems unaffected. I'd like to get all the blood off her feathers for a better look, but I'm guessing I should wait a day or so for the wound to scab over? Cleaning her will likely require a soak. I also have veterycin spray, but again, is it better for me to keep the wound dry and NOT bleeding for the time being? Or is it worth the risk of reopening it to disinfect?

I assume the toenail will just fall off if it's detached enough. I will keep an eye out of swelling, limping, etc.

Any tips are appreciated. Just flying by the seat of my pants here.

 

[talkinboutchickens]

If it is still open, even if it is a tiny bit open, I would spray on veterycin. I would only do the soak if absolutely necessary, as getting the blood off is really only for aesthetic purposes and not that she will feel better if the blood is off her foot feathers. If she is a show bird or there is A LOT of blood on her feathers, go ahead!
But, I feel that soaking would just add stress. I'm not positive how a simple soak could affect her wound, negatively or not. But either way, if you have to do a soak, I would definitely wait for it to scab up.
Otherwise I would just let the blood come off on its own. Maybe other people have varying opinions though.