Chicken attacked. Survivable? What to do?

[PoPo76]

One of my hens was attacked. Looks mostly like just turn out feathers and some bruises. Can anyone asses based on these pics? She's breathing and alert but not really reacting to anything. Just looks pissed.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/YXZhCWqLeSF8hsDb8

https://photos.app.goo.gl/bNRHK4Y9y8EVDXQP8

https://photos.app.goo.gl/fCqLw2BDHnPADpvQ7

 

[CurlyQuail]

Is she eating and drinking? The wounds don’t look bad, I think she’ll be fine with a bit of TLC. Keep the area clean and watch her behavior.

 

[Jennc-123]

She's likely in shock. That happened to my rooster. I treated his wounds, then wrapped him in a towel to keep him warm. I also fed him soggy grain in molasses for a few days, and kept him in a small carrier with his hens. Good luck!

 

[lbgreenfield]

One of my hens was attacked. Looks mostly like just turn out feathers and some bruises. Can anyone asses based on these pics? She's breathing and alert but not really reacting to anything. Just looks pissed.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/YXZhCWqLeSF8hsDb8

https://photos.app.goo.gl/bNRHK4Y9y8EVDXQP8

https://photos.app.goo.gl/fCqLw2BDHnPADpvQ7

Hi there. Poor girl, I'm sorry this happened to you. Chickens are very resilient and I think she will survive.

First thing would be to isolate her from the rest of the flock for a day or two (or more). It doesn't appear she is actively bleeding (if she is, you can use Quik-Stop powder). She seems to be in shock now. Keep her in warm area, gently wash her wounds with a gentle soap (Dove), thoroughly spray with Vetricyn or Betadine, slather the wounds with Neosporin (one without pain killer), cover with some non-stick gauze and Vetwrap if possible, and keep her comfortable. Repeat the washing/Vetricyn/Neosporin every few days to prevent infection (bad smell, skin will look rotten).

You can provide comfort foods (such as a scrambled egg, plain greek yogurt, or a wet mash of her feed) and fluids. You can add some electrolytes or Nutri-Drench to her water as well.

Keep us posted, I think she will make it with proper care.

 

[PoPo76]

She is drinking. I haven't tried to feed her yet. She's not moving too much. But alert. She closes her eyes occasionally though. I should have said this in the original post but in the pics she's wet from me cleaning the wounds. Looks a little bit worse as a result.

 

[PoPo76]

I checked her up and down for any puncture wounds and it doesn't look like she has any.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

One of my hens was attacked. Looks mostly like just turn out feathers and some bruises. Can anyone asses based on these pics? She's breathing and alert but not really reacting to anything. Just looks pissed.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/YXZhCWqLeSF8hsDb8

https://photos.app.goo.gl/bNRHK4Y9y8EVDXQP8

https://photos.app.goo.gl/fCqLw2BDHnPADpvQ7

Don't separate her unless she's being picked on then keep her in sight of the flock otherwise reintegration can be heck.

Once cleaned up.. let her body work it's magic, make it's own anti biotics etc.. do NOT keep repeating the cleaning which often damages good tissue.

What attacked her?

Hydration is key.. she's likely shocked right now.. give her time. When ready offer a scrambled egg.. as a quick boost that's usually very palatable, easy to digest, and loaded with nutrients.. Only as occasional boost or snack though as they are 34% protein but 64% fat by energy content.

Otherwise chicken feed is best.. sometimes moist will encourage consumption and help add hydration.

 

[PoPo76]

Attacked by a dog. Held her down and pulled her feathers out. Apparently somehow she escaped the fenced in area she's kept in.

So just to double check. I should apply the aforementioned ointments and wrap or just leave it be?

Ironic side note: 10 years with chickens AND pitbulls the alleged most violent dog breed of all time I've never had an issue. In fact the dogs stayed as far away from the chickens as possible. I recently acquired Lab mix puppies and they just cannot get along with these birds.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

So just to double check. I should apply the aforementioned ointments and wrap or just leave it be?

Different opinions mean YOU decide what you think is best.. I don't wrap birds or use ointments.. it's something to tangle or get caught on other things or accidentally get ingested possibly causing further crop issues.. injuries need to breath is my personal opinion.. depending on the extent and type of injury.

I think the body does this amazing thing called self healing.. most of the time, just given the opportunity. IF condition appears to be worsening and not improving THEN I would take additional action.. Otherwise support through probiotics and good nutrition.. MY preferred supplements when needed on occasion are either.. Poultry nutri drench (in water) or Rooster Booster brand Poultry Cell product (mixed in a small amount of wet feed).. give the body ALL it need to make the repairs.. amino acids, vitamins, minerals etc.. Movement can be diminished by soreness, the bodies natural way of slowing us down so we don;t get injured further. But once all injuries have been identified and internal bleeding/breaks have been ruled out fairly well.. offering small dose aspirin for some pain relief may be considered..
http://extension.msstate.edu/content/solutions-and-treatments

One other thing.. please ALWAYS get a second opinion on ANYTHING before you do it.. Even I have given bad advice and not realized it until later.

Molasses can cause a laxative effect and could have dire consequences used in the wrong proportions. Grain by itself would be extremely deficient in nutrients but as part of a formulated ration or balanced diet is a perfectly fine source of energy and some nutrients.

Ironic side note: 10 years with chickens AND pitbulls the alleged most violent dog breed of all time I've never had an issue. In fact the dogs stayed as far away from the chickens as possible. I recently acquired Lab mix puppies and they just cannot get along with these birds.

I love dogs including Bully's.

Labs have a different NATURAL prey drive and energy than bullies, they ARE hunting dogs.. and also a puppy can never be compared to a mature dog. But yes people's ignorance and some individuals aggression along with the sheer power of the dogs bite force have given America's "nanny dog" a bad reputation.. My personal vet has been bitten by more Chihuahua's and Golden Retrievers than pit bull.. BUT their bites TEND to cause less damage and be less sensationalized in the MEDIA headlines. Bullies are front page news while others are 3rd page at best. (when print was a thing) Chickens unfortunately are a self rewarding game for a puppy looking to release some energy... It's NOT too late for training though.. AND sometimes a bird that escapes, may need their wing(s) clipped to help ensure their safety.. if they are regular offenders.

My best dog ever Daisy May, was a Labora-bull.. that rescued me from the dog park one day.. My best friend, she passed this month.

Your lady looks like she can and will totally recover! They're hardier bugger than we give them credit for.

Consider using a flock raiser with oyster shell on the side for active layers.. as it's higher in protein and amino acids than layer (if that's what you use) and feathers are made from 90% protein and it's amino acids.. My birds go through less harsh molt since making the switch!

 

[PoPo76]

**Update**
Today she is looking a lot better. More movement and she's eating as well as drinking.

I sprayed some Vetericyn on her as well. I do have her separated but in sight of the rest of the flock just until she's a little stronger.

**Escape saga** So this bird has a history of being a Maverick. When I used to let them free range I would find her later sitting on my couch or perched on the back of one of the dining room chairs. (I know just close the back door! Yes. That, however, is another story.) So after that I fenced them in only to find her on my neighbors patio siting by his back door, Scaling a 6' fence to do so. So I clipped her wings. Problem solved. Until... The other day hurricane force winds knocked a portion of the fence partially down so off she went into doggieland.

Also on the dogs, what I stated about pitbulls was partially in jest. The irony, I find, is the stark contrast of how the pitbull is portrayed at times and my experience of them LITERALLY running away in fear of a 2lb chicken. Lol. And yes all dogs are predatory by nature and thus shouldn't be fully trusted around prey animals. Although, I have seen videos of roosters bossing around horses so who knows??

Anyway, thanks to everyone for lending their advice. I'm hoping for the best and will keep updating.

EggSighted4Life, I'm so sorry about your dog. It's so hard to let them go.