Chicken attacked by pup.

[chickathon]

I have two black and tan/mix pups one has attacked a white rock that had been sitting on a nest. A lot of feathers are pulled and a small open wound is on her neck. Vets around here only cater to dogs and cats so I was wondering how to treat her if she survives the shock. I put some antibiotic salve around the wound but was afraid of putting on the inside was wondering if butterfly stitches would hold up or not. This is the first chicken that has ever been attacked at my house. I am currently finding another home without chickens to accept the pup. He's a good dog just has a high prey drive. I don't have the time or know how to train him. Any or all advice would be appreciated.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

You might not need stitches if there isn't a big flap of skin hanging off. Another advantage of not having stitches is the wound can drain more easily. You can put a neosporin type of antibacterial ointment right in the wound. It it is a puncture wound, really try to flush it out with saline or water and then put the ointment right in. (just make sure the ointment doesn't have any added benzocaine in it. Keep an eye out for infection and puncture wounds are the most at risk. Really the first sign of infection will be a change in smell of the wound. If you think there is an infection then Penecillin injectable is the best treatment (at farm stores). (See this link for pointers:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/352701/how-do-i-administer-a-penicillin-shot-to-a-chicken)

If she is in shock keep her in a quiet warm place. She may not eat or drink the first day, but if she is not drinking water by the second day you may want to drip water down the side of her beak to get her some hydration.

Chickens can heal really well from wounds if the get over the shock and don't get an infection.

 

[Eggcessive]

Yes you can put the ointment down into the wound. Don't try to close it up, since dog bites are considered dirty wounds, they need to be open to air to heal from the inside out. Keep her quiet in a cage until she is feeling better. If she is better tomorrow she may make it. Offer her some wet feed or scrambled eggs if she is alert.

 

[chickathon]

You might not need stitches if there isn't a big flap of skin hanging off. Another advantage of not having stitches is the wound can drain more easily. You can put a neosporin type of antibacterial ointment right in the wound. It it is a puncture wound, really try to flush it out with saline or water and then put the ointment right in. (just make sure the ointment doesn't have any added benzocaine in it. Keep an eye out for infection and puncture wounds are the most at risk. Really the first sign of infection will be a change in smell of the wound. If you think there is an infection then Penecillin injectable is the best treatment (at farm stores). (See this link for pointers:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/352701/how-do-i-administer-a-penicillin-shot-to-a-chicken)

If she is in shock keep her in a quiet warm place. She may not eat or drink the first day, but if she is not drinking water by the second day you may want to drip water down the side of her beak to get her some hydration.

Chickens can heal really well from wounds if the get over the shock and don't get an infection.

Thanks for the advice! the link was really helpful. It's not a puncture wound. It looks as if some skin was ripped off with the feathers. It is about the size of a fifty cent piece stretched into an oval. She seemed really calm this evening. Wasn't shaking like she was after the attack. Thanks to my DH for finding her before he did more damage.

 

[chickathon]

Day two has passed. She seems to be doing o.k, The wound is looking good with no signs of infection so far. She felt well enough to be grouchy to me when I was removing her from the cage. I think that is good. Will post update soon.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

That is good news. I hope she is also interested in food and water. Keep up the TLC.

 

[chickathon]

Day two has passed. She seems to be doing o.k, The wound is looking good with no signs of infection so far. She felt well enough to be grouchy to me when I was removing her from the cage. I think that is good. Will post update soon.

It's been more than a week now and the hen is doing excellent. Eating well and drinking buckets of water. She'll be so fat with all the food she wants to herself. Chompy is going to make it thanks again to my DH. Thanks again to everyone who gave advice or showed interest in how she is doing. My only question is when do I introduce her back to the flock? When she is all feathered out? or now that she is doing so well would she be alright? The pin part of her feathers have grown. Is this good enough? Thanks in advance for all the advice.