Bird missing back feathers - bleeding

[AshCaroline]

I just went outside to give my chickens some kitchen scraps when I noticed my older chicken was huddled in the corner. I got closer to her and it looks as if her back has been split open. I’ve attached a picture. Any ideas on what I should do? Thank you

 

[chicken_party6]

Do you have a rooster?

 

[AshCaroline]

I do but he was not in the run at the time. We’re having a huge issue with foxes and raccoons so I’m assuming it was one of them.

 

[chicken_party6]

I do but he was not in the run at the time. We’re having a huge issue with foxes and raccoons so I’m assuming it was one of them.

That looks like an overrated hen that started to bleed and then was a victim of cannibal pecking.

 

[chicken_party6]

Whatever it is, SEPERATE HER FROM THE FLOCK NOW!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I just went outside to give my chickens some kitchen scraps when I noticed my older chicken was huddled in the corner. I got closer to her and it looks as if her back has been split open. I’ve attached a picture. Any ideas on what I should do? Thank you View attachment 2374488

Probably raccoon if not an aerial predator.. poor girl..

I've had a duck scalped and a chick.. it's surprising how fast they can heal. How old is older?

What is her usual feed?

She may be in shock.. if you have kennel where she can stay in sight if her flock but still be protected from the rooster you mention possibly mounting her.. If she isn't too freaked out.. make her cozy.. and put feed and water near by.. Do you have any supplements on hand to support her immune system and help her heal?

If she doesn't eat right away, that's okay.. Try to ensure she is drinking something before the evening.. wetting feed if you don't usually.. can make it go down a little easier. A scrambled egg.. is often palatable, easy to digest, and loaded with nutrients.. great for an occasional boost it has 34% protein and 64% fat, with half the protein and a good portion of the vitamins and minerals being in the yolk.

I personally would leave the would alone UNLESS it started to look like it needed help. I let the body do it's thing!

Hope she recovers quickly!

 

[M-H-Fielding]

I just went outside to give my chickens some kitchen scraps when I noticed my older chicken was huddled in the corner. I got closer to her and it looks as if her back has been split open. I’ve attached a picture. Any ideas on what I should do? Thank you View attachment 2374488

Had something similar happen to one of my girls. It was caused by overmating.
I hope your hen will be alright!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I do but he was not in the run at the time. We’re having a huge issue with foxes and raccoons so I’m assuming it was one of them.

Raccoon grubby little finger can reach right through a fence.. sometimes they take off heads...

I don't buy that as over mating.

Just be gentile with her.. and let the wound ooze it's stuff out and scab up.. If you are able you can consider adding some vetericyn wound spray..or cleanse it once and then leave it be. As I stated before, I would leave it alone right now and life work it's miracle..

She CAN recover.. chickens are hardy creatures! As awful as that looks... it's a surface wound. All ya gotta do is not let it get infected.. the body makes it own antibodies and such.. Make sure she stays hydrated.. but give her some time to process.

 

[AshCaroline]

Probably raccoon if not an aerial predator.. poor girl..

I've had a duck scalped and a chick.. it's surprising how fast they can heal. How old is older?

What is her usual feed?

She may be in shock.. if you have kennel where she can stay in sight if her flock but still be protected from the rooster you mention possibly mounting her.. If she isn't too freaked out.. make her cozy.. and put feed and water near by.. Do you have any supplements on hand to support her immune system and help her heal?

If she doesn't eat right away, that's okay.. Try to ensure she is drinking something before the evening.. wetting feed if you don't usually.. can make it go down a little easier. A scrambled egg.. is often palatable, easy to digest, and loaded with nutrients.. great for an occasional boost it has 34% protein and 64% fat, with half the protein and a good portion of the vitamins and minerals being in the yolk.

I personally would leave the would alone UNLESS it started to look like it needed help. I let the body do it's thing!

Hope she recovers quickly!

Thank you!! I separated her from the others and put her in a small enclosure with some towels, water, and food. They normally just get laying crumbles, kitchen scraps, and whatever they find when out of the run. I think I should move her to the garage tonight since it’ll be below freezing. Thank you for the suggestions! I really appreciate it

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I think I should move her to the garage tonight since it’ll be below freezing.

How far below freezing? In her coop she might usually have warmth of flock mates added besides the missing feathers but not in the garage.. can she maybe come in over night? The body can have a harder time maintaining it's normal temp during times of stress. How is she doing right now? Has she drank any of the water yet? Or is she responsive at all? Were you able to assess for any other damage? If she need a little pain relief aspirin is okay..

5mg/kg 3 times per day..

or 325 mg dissolved into drinking water (it says change 3 times daily due to flavor and smell of water being altered)

https://www.vetfolio.com/learn/article/controlling-avian-pain

Noting that pain is the body's way of telling us there is something wrong and slowing us down so we can heal.. if she's in too much pain to eat/drink though (definitely by tomorrow) she won't be able to get the energy to heal.. so go according to what you are seeing and use your best judgement.

Easy on kitchen scraps while she heals.

Do you know when her last egg was?