chicken attacked by dog...any suggestions (not an emergency)

[Wilmer Gehman]

A german shepherd jumped a fence down the road from us and apparently came after the chickens. I was not aware at all that anything had happened till the dog was stalking the run. It attacked one of our hens, and with mouth or claws ripped a pretty deep gash in her back about 2 inches long and and 1/2 inch wide. This is not an emergency. Virginia (my hen) is currently in a dog crate with food and water. There is also a bowl of watered down regular chicken feed. She ate a whole bunch of blueberries but seems dazed. Her pupils are dilated and she won't move anything except her head. Is there anything we can rub on her wound, or do something to make her feel more comfortable?

 

[sourland]

I would apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and make sure that flies do not lay eggs in the wound. Fly strike is a serious problem and better to prevent than to treat.

 

[Wilmer Gehman]

Right now she is in a basement so I don’t think there will be any flies. There is a door near her cage that lets in a lot of light to the basement..will she be okay in there or should she be near the rest of the flock?

 

[Tesumph]

She will understandably be a little shocky after an attack like that. It’s not a huge cause for concern, just keep her calm and comfortable. I would leave her inside until this isn’t an open wound anymore, unless you want to wrap it. Can you get pictures by any chance?

Clean the wound thoroughly with betadine if you have it on hand, if not soap and water will do. Nutri drench will perk her up nicely if you have any.

 

[Wilmer Gehman]

Thanks for the insight! I think I will let her have a good nights rest before I try to move her around a lot! About the rest of the flock.... I am assuming they will not be laying many eggs in the next couple days......

 

[Tesumph]

Thanks for the insight! I think I will let her have a good nights rest before I try to move her around a lot! About the rest of the flock.... I am assuming they will not be laying many eggs in the next couple days......

Yes, a stressful event like that can disrupt the laying cycle.

Just be sure you clean it properly ASAP, she can rest after that. An animal bite is full of bacteria, infection is the biggest concern here. Just get some warm water and really work betadine/soapy water into the wound, give it a good rinse, and feel free to dab some some ointment on afterwards.

 

[Wilmer Gehman]

Yes, a stressful event like that can disrupt the laying cycle.

Just be sure you clean it properly ASAP, she can rest after that. An animal bite is full of bacteria, infection is the biggest concern here. Just get some warm water and really work betadine/soapy water into the wound, give it a good rinse, and feel free to dab some some ointment on afterwards.

I had a surprise today! My hen layed an egg! Her wound is cleaned up and she seems perky.

 

[Wilmer Gehman]

Virginia had a trip to the vet on Thursday. The vet stitched her up and gave us some cream to put on the wound and pills for her to take. She is coming along very well, and eating normally. Thanks for all those who gave me suggestions!