Big hole in leg!

[Jeshbear]

I went on vacation and when I came back I found a big hole in one of our chickens leg. I checked all the other ones they're fine and I don't know what happened. Here's a photo.

 

[arianna7]

Could you take a closer picture if she would let you, I can't really see what is going on. Is it just her feathers, or her flesh as well?

 

[AshVau22]

1st thing would be to clean the wound and get a better look at what your dealing with. Also check for infection.

 

[Eggcessive]

Trim away feathers near the wound and take a closer picture. Do you think a raccoon or other predator did this? Was it during the daytime, and are your chickens locked up at night? Saline 2 tsp salt dissolved in 1 quart of water (or 1/2 tsp per 8 ounce cup,) can be used to rinse the wound with a syringe or spray bottle. After blotting it dry, apply some plain triple antibiotic ointment on it twice a day after cleaning the wound. Is she able to walk around okay? Are the others pecking at her wound?