Chicken’s face tore off

[Kiki]

She is eating and drinking and does her usual run from my hand so I don’t think she is in shock. I have been watching her with the others and so far non have pecked at her. EggSighted4Life’s strategy is usually more my style with letting nature take it’s course and based on the fact that they had two survive without attention I will probably just let it be unless it gets worse.

Covering it with a coat of Neosporin tonight at roost time might be a good idea.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Best of luck with your sweet girl! What a traumatic day for you both! Keep us posted on her progress. Bear hugs!

 

[Eggcessive]

I tend to let my chickens be, but Vetericyn and plain Triple Antibiotic Ointment, or at least the ointment once or twice a day would be what I would do. The skin is mostly removed including around the eye, so a great risk of infection is there. You can wait until dark, and with a flashlight or headlamp, apply the ointment. But I would keep her in a dog crate with food and water to keep her wounds from being pecked, leading to cannibalism. She still could see the other chickens and stay part of the flock. But watch out for flies. They can lay eggs and cause maggots to infect the wounds. The ointment may help to prevent that.

 

[staceyj]

Not wanting to enter the fray here, I’m going to make one comment and leave a link to a similar thread from earlier this week.

My comment is
You do not know the true extent of this bird’s injuries until it has been cleaned of all dried blood and contamination. In my opinion, this time of year if you live almost anywhere in North America this animal has very little chance of survival if not cared for and protected from Flystrike.
If as little as one fly lays eggs on her, her wound and facial orifices will be infested with stage 1 maggots in 8-24 hrs at an outdoor temperature above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here is the link. *graphic photos throughout.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chicken-with-large-head-wound-after-being-attacked.1270265/

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Yes, you guys are awesome and always helpful!

One reason I don't go crazy with ointments is I like the wound to scab over and ointments seem to keep them soft.

All great advice given.

When I chose not to treat... I did watch closely for changes in color, reddening (instead of pink) or whitening like puss building, necrotic tissue, flock pestering, and FLIES. SO FAR my flies have been more interested in other things and none even close to the head of my birds. During roost I suspect might be the most danger. And thankfully my flock never looked twice, either time and under the right conditions healing can take place very rapidly. As noted time of year might have impact, as well as pasture/coop conditions and such.

If I saw any signs that my attention was truly needed... I'm sure my actions would be different.

I currently have a cockerel who got beat up a little. He is in ann individual kennel to protect him from boys in my stag pen who are relentlessly ornery but I don't want him mating my females either. The real issue is his wound is itchy from healing and he keeps scratching (with his presumed punji nails), not allowing it to heal... his eye... I DID apply ointment 2 days ago, and may again. Each situation is assessed and treated individually... it is a constant learning process for me! And I'm glad to see so many KIND souls here willing to help others. Thank you guys.

 

[Wisrobe]

Ummmm, help.

 

[50-45-1]

I dont know what that is, but i would say nature has taken its course and it has gotten worse.
She looks miserable and in pain. It looks like she is going to,or already lost her eye. Are the other chickens picking at her yet?
I dont think i would make her endure any more paIn and suffering.
I would put her out of her misery now.

 

[Wisrobe]

The eye is under neath, I can see it move. But duly noted, I may grab the axe soon.

 

[Eggcessive]

The eye is under neath, I can see it move. But duly noted, I may grab the axe soon.

How is she doing overall? The white material may be pus, or it could also be vitreous humor from inside the eye. Is she eating and drinking? Alert and walking around? I had a chicken who only had sight in one eye, and did okay if that matters.

 

[Wisrobe]

She is a bit slower than yesterday. She seems alert to me, she watches me (at least with her good eye), she gets on small roosts, I haven’t seen her eat or drink, doesn’t mean she’s not doing it.