BR hen "runt" of the flock getting picked on

[purplepeep]

I have a flock of 26 hens of various breed, and one BR rooster. They are stressed right now because they have been stuck in their coop toughing out the -35C winter weather. (They normally free range) My smallest hen is a lovely little BR girl, and lately has been the victim of the other hens' boredom. They started by pulling out all her tail feathers, day by day she would have fewer and fewer until her poor tail was gone. Since there was no blood, and she seemed alright at defending herself, I just let them be. Then they started pecking her when she was in the nest, and made a small break in the skin on her back. Now when I went to feed and water them this evening, she she has a spot about 2'' across on one thigh that has been plucked clean and badly pecked. It looks painful and angry. I brought her in the house and put her in the basement in a small cage with food and water, and turned the lights out. I don't know what to do for her....

Do I need to clean the wound? If I do, what do I clean it with? Will she need to be culled?? At the moment she seems lively and is barely limping. I do hope she will live as she really is a nice hen and a good layer. Any input would be definetely appreciated!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

you did the right thing by getting her out of there they would probably end up killing her. now clean her wounds with either warm soapy water or saline then put some neosporin on them, after a couple days of healing just let it air dry and she should heal fine, I wouldn't put her back with the flock till she is completely healed and then try to put her with them but not so they can get to her. If she has a friend maybe put the 2 of them together but with out the others being able to get to them. It's a shame it has to be like this but when closed up for any length of time it happens more often than we know. I am sure she'll be fine given time to heal.