Canabalized cloaca

[Allie D ME]

came home to a hiding and bloody chicken. Not bleed a lot continuously but a periodic drop. She panting and her bottom is pulsing.

I separated her and gave her water.

I have an appointment in the morning but is this more of an emergency? She looks pretty damaged.

 

[Kiki]

You might want to clean her up...warm epsom salt soak/spa treatment for now.

 

[Wickedchicken6]

I would also keep her separated from the flock so they can't pick at her and the flies can't get at the wound. I'm sorry but I can't quite see from the photo how damaged the area is. It may necessary to apply an antibiotic ointment.

 

[Allie D ME]

She is separated in a crate. I cleaned up her bottom feathers. Here is a closer picture. It looks like there is something detatched but it's not actively bleeding anymore.

She seems to have strength and is upright. Just quiet and still.

 

[Wickedchicken6]

That's fantastic! You've got her separated and you did a nice job of cleaning her up. That's unfortunate this happened. But the damage looks better than I first thought. I think that should heal well and fairly quickly. It's good that she's strong and quiet. I'm sure that hurts.

I assume she's laying eggs? If she is still laying that may cause some delay with the healing. By having her in the crate you'll know if she's laying.

Do they have an enclosed nest box? May I ask what you feed the flock? That's not good if other hens are doing this. Perhaps they are requiring something they're not getting enough of with the feed.

 

[Allie D ME]

I think she had laid one egg. We just started getting eggs 2 days ago but I can't be sure one was hers.

There are 8 hens and six milk crate style nesting boxes. They're not enclosed with curtains in the front but otherwise square.

They get blue seal extra egg layer and various fruits and veggies as treats. I know they need more fodder but I've ended up with some moldy batches due to the summer humidity so they've only had fodder infrequently recently. They've had some mint and cilantro treats recently too.

Also I'm pretty sure it's just one hen that did this to her.

 

[Allie D ME]

Prognosis is good, looks like some topical and oral anti-biopics and she should do well. But now I have a solo chicken for a while....