Chicken first aid

[ORChick]

In my arrogance I have avoided this forum; I thought that I had everything right, and bad things wouldn't happen. Well, so much for that. Several weeks ago my rooster was killed by "something". But that was just bad luck, right? Today one of my hens was grabbed by the neighbour's dog - the neighbour saw, called the dog off. The hen is still alive, in ICU in my laundry room right now. Now, I don't want any advice about the neighbour, or the dog. I have a good neighbour (who is very upset right now), and IMO the whole thing was a tragic accident. But I would like to know (now that my arrogance has been so forcibly diminished) about first aid for chickens. I have my hen in a large cat carrier, with a small dish of pedialyte. She seems to be perkier than she was, and I am optimistic. But what other things should one have on hand in a "chicken 1st aid kit"? Any suggestions? Thanks for your input.

 

[PunkinPeep]

neosporin or triple antibiotic WITHOUT pain reliever

a lot of people use betadine or iodine

you could also keep just a squirt bottle ready for use with sterile saline solution (that you can make)

you can buy injectable penicilin to keep on hand in case of injuries

and i don't know how your dear chicken was injured, but you also want to be diligent to clip back any feathers threatening to touch the wound.

i'm no expert, but this is what i learned from my recent "humbling experience."

hope your chicken gets well soon.

(also, for non-injury first aid, i would keep corid on hand if you have chicks)

edited because i apparently can't spell this late at night

 

[ORChick]

Thank you Punkin. I have neosporin on hand, and will maybe get a "dedicated" tube just for the chickens. I don't see any obvious wounds on my girl, beyond broken feathers, though I'll look closer tomorrow. By then she will either be doing better, or not. Before I put her back with the flock I'll give her a closer look over, and clip her feathers back as necessary. You are right; this is very humbling. I can see now that my rooster was also victim to this dog. Neighbour and I are in discussion at the moment on how best to deal with this. After reading other posts on this forum I cannot begin to say how grateful I am for good neighbours.

 

[sammi]

ok...whenever something like this happens, they get shocky..
and should be given electrolytes asap.
Durvet makes a commercial mix..
if you can't find a commercial mix, in a pinch, you can use diluted Pedialyte..
vitamins won't hurt either..I'd suggest Poly-vi-sol liquid baby vitamins..no iron..(Enfamil makes a no iron formula)..give 3 drops on beak once a day for about 5 days then taper off for a week.

is she showing any symptoms? any limping or odd movements?
check well for any small puncture wounds, any heat or swelling.'
treat any wounds with diluted betadine or peroxide..don't use peroxide on larger wounds or deep wounds.
saline solution can be used for cleaning, then diluted betadine, or other surgical type disinfectant.
neosporin can be used as a topical.
aspirin can be used as an anti-inflammatory..but DO NOT use if internal injury is suspected.
systemic antibiotic: Penicillin or cipro type antibiotic..

remember that dogs will shake the prey, causing swelling later, and possible internal injuries..
for bruising type swelling..alternate warm and cold packs 10 minutes each, several times a day..
watch the droppings for signs of blood.
keep close eye on crop to make sure it is functioning properly..
watch for air sac injury..(odd swelling around the neck area)


is she eating and drinking?
some boiled egg, or scrambled egg for extra protein can help..
and some plain active culture yogurt can help sooth the digestive system..
keep her warm and calm.
hopefully she is ok and just shook up.

will watch this thread.

 

[ORChick]

Sammi, thank you for that information; I have copied it to have on hand in future. Sadly, she didn't make it through the night.

 

[PunkinPeep]

Oh no. I'm so very sorry.