Chicken comb injured

[lunathechicken]

Hello! My chicken recently had the back portion (only a small piece) either pecked or "snatched" off. I think it was just caught on something, but the other chickens keep pecking at it and it's hurting her. We tried isolating her yesterday for a good portion if the day, she seemed fine but we let her hang out with the other chickens. No blood has been found other then dried blood on the spot.She keeps hanging out by herself at some points and just standing around also (not that this has to do with the comb, just thought I would include it for advice). Any suggestions? How long does it take to heal?

 

[Hiyaherc]

Firstly sorry to hear that your hen is not feeling well. The injury hurts her and that is part of the reason she is avoiding the rest of the flock. You want to separate her from the rest of the flock. If it is still bleeding or reopens, the rest of the flock will continue to pick at her or worse. If it is still bleeding you may want to pick up at the local feed store or at a pet store some styptic powder. Styptic powder is good to have on hand in your emergency kit. The powder is loosely applied to the injury and helps stop the bleeding. If she is not bleeding and is "raw" you may want to just clean the area carefully and lightly with Vetericyn Spray. When she finally forms a scab and to avoid being picked on by the rest of the flock once she goes back out with the rest of the flock you can apply Blue Kote. Blue Kote is used for wounds and is blue in color. Being blue in color the other birds will not be drawn to it. Since it is on the hen's comb, I would apply it with a Q-tip. You do not want it to run down her comb to her face and eye area. The Blue Kote comes in either a spray bottle or a thick applicator bottle. A couple of days of quiet time from the rest of the flock and she will be good to go, along with some extra special treats. Keep us posted!

 

[lunathechicken]

Firstly sorry to hear that your hen is not feeling well. The injury hurts her and that is part of the reason she is avoiding the rest of the flock. You want to separate her from the rest of the flock. If it is still bleeding or reopens, the rest of the flock will continue to pick at her or worse. If it is still bleeding you may want to pick up at the local feed store or at a pet store some styptic powder. Styptic powder is good to have on hand in your emergency kit. The powder is loosely applied to the injury and helps stop the bleeding. If she is not bleeding and is "raw" you may want to just clean the area carefully and lightly with Vetericyn Spray. When she finally forms a scab and to avoid being picked on by the rest of the flock once she goes back out with the rest of the flock you can apply Blue Kote. Blue Kote is used for wounds and is blue in color. Being blue in color the other birds will not be drawn to it. Since it is on the hen's comb, I would apply it with a Q-tip. You do not want it to run down her comb to her face and eye area. The Blue Kote comes in either a spray bottle or a thick applicator bottle. A couple of days of quiet time from the rest of the flock and she will be good to go, along with some extra special treats. Keep us posted!

Hey! Thank you so much! As of now it hasn't been bleading (or at least I haven't noticed) just a scab. I'm gonna invest in Blue Kote because I have heard a lot of good things about it being used to help with combs (and other things). Thanks again and I'll keep y'all updated!!

 

[oakhavenmama]

Hi lunathechicken,

How did things work out with your chicken's comb? For some reason, one of my birds has a scab on her comb and I have found some drops of blood here and there. So I want to try something too. Did you have to keep them apart at night? I think that is when the pecking happens, because I found blood under the roost this morning.

Thank you!

 

[lunathechicken]

Hi lunathechicken,

How did things work out with your chicken's comb? For some reason, one of my birds has a scab on her comb and I have found some drops of blood here and there. So I want to try something too. Did you have to keep them apart at night? I think that is when the pecking happens, because I found blood under the roost this morning.

Thank you!

the first 2 days she was separated from the others until it looked better, but at night she stayed with the others. it may just be because they are still kinda young that they aren’t too aggressive, i’m not sure. but it is very possible that the pecking can be done at night. i recommend separating her for a day or two or until some signs of healing occur if things get worst. has she gotten better?

hope this helps!

 

[oakhavenmama]

Yes, Red is better and back to her old self, thanks! I kept her separated for about two days. It seems like once the wound scabs over they don't bother it any more. I kept her in the cat crate inside the hen house, so they could all still be together, and inside the coop during the day while the others free ranged. I also very gently compressed/massaged her comb using castor oil, just a tiny amount, which increases circulation, another member here suggested the compression, and I learned about the castor oil somewhere else. On the second or third day, the first little scab on the tip came off, which was cool, the larger scab where the others pecked her took longer, but it came off on its own. Thanks again lunachicken!

 

[lunathechicken]

Yes, Red is better and back to her old self, thanks! I kept her separated for about two days. It seems like once the wound scabs over they don't bother it any more. I kept her in the cat crate inside the hen house, so they could all still be together, and inside the coop during the day while the others free ranged. I also very gently compressed/massaged her comb using castor oil, just a tiny amount, which increases circulation, another member here suggested the compression, and I learned about the castor oil somewhere else. On the second or third day, the first little scab on the tip came off, which was cool, the larger scab where the others pecked her took longer, but it came off on its own. Thanks again lunachicken!

i’m glad to here she’s doing good! i️ hope all is well with her and i’m glad i️ could help!