Chicken has been attacked by fox and had a deep and nasty puncher hole

[Keeperofmunchkins]

hi there I live in peterbouorgh in the UK. The wound is quite deep but seems to have dried up a little I concerned about the lump u can see in the wound. I have trimmed feathers around it and cleaned it with warm water. She was breathing a little erratic yesterday but seems to a little better this morning. Unfortunately we don't have a tractor supply that u can get chickens stuff from . I have have checked for other wounds and there's only this big one. She doesn't seem interested in good or water so I have been dripping water in the Beak about ever 30mins or so.

Hi from England. Would you be able to get antibiotics for her? That wound looks nasty.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

hi there I live in peterbouorgh in the UK. The wound is quite deep but seems to have dried up a little I concerned about the lump u can see in the wound. I have trimmed feathers around it and cleaned it with warm water. She was breathing a little erratic yesterday but seems to a little better this morning. Unfortunately we don't have a tractor supply that u can get chickens stuff from . I have have checked for other wounds and there's only this big one. She doesn't seem interested in good or water so I have been dripping water in the Beak about ever 30mins or so.

Perhaps someone like @rebrascora or @Yorkshire Coop can assist with finding some products (triple antibiotic oinment?) for you in the UK.

Seeking vet care is your very best option, I understand sometimes it may be hard to find one, but I feel that you do need antibiotics for your girl.

You may be able to find Nettex Nutri-Drops to give her a vitamin boost. The erratic breathing is very concerning, I hope that is getting better. Foxes not only rip, but they squeeze so she may have some internal injuries as well.

 

[Keeperofmunchkins]

Here is a link to buy triple antibiotic ointment online but it might arrive too late because of the weekend

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dr-Sheff...m=352573121362&_trksid=p2349624.c100935.m2460

 

[Keeperofmunchkins]

If infection is suspected in this case would oral antibiotics be necessary or would topical be best? Curious

 

[rebrascora]

@hector92
Do you know, I didn't think it was possible to purchase topical antibiotics here in the UK, so that is a new one on me. Thanks

@hector92
I am wondering if this wound is in the top of her wing/shoulder or her actual back. If it is her back, it is right over her lungs and one may have been punctured as they are tucked tight under the ribs in that area. It may also be that the erratic breathing was due to stress.
I would be inclined to thoroughly irrigate the would with diluted Hibiscrub (Chlorohexidine) or a saline solution by making a warm solution of table salt (or better still sea salt) with boiled and cooled water and putting it in a syringe without needle and squirting it into the wound with a bit of pressure to ensure any dirt and debris and bacteria is blasted out. Then I would blot dry and apply Germolene.... I'm a big fan of the G stuff and have had great results with it on myself and chickens. You will need to keep her separate of the rooster until it heals in case he tries to mate her and puts a claw into it.
The fox will be back so penning them securely or keeping them cooped for at least a week would be wise but longer term a secure run will sadly be necessary. I've had foxes come and nab a chicken whilst I was there, I've given chase and got the chicken back only for them to come and nab another whilst I was tending the injured one. At this time of year, other (wild) food is limited and they will take greater risks because they are hungry and probably pregnant with cubs.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

@hector92
Do you know, I didn't think it was possible to purchase topical antibiotics here in the UK, so that is a new one on me. Thanks

@hector92
I am wondering if this wound is in the top of her wing/shoulder or her actual back. If it is her back, it is right over her lungs and one may have been punctured as they are tucked tight under the ribs in that area. It may also be that the erratic breathing was due to stress.
I would be inclined to thoroughly irrigate the wound with diluted Hibiscrub (Chlorohexidine) or a saline solution by making a warm solution of table salt (or better still sea salt) with boiled and cooled water and putting it in a syringe without needle and squirting it into the wound with a bit of pressure to ensure any dirt and debris and bacteria is blasted out. Then I would blot dry and apply Germolene.... I'm a big fan of the G stuff and have had great results with it on myself and chickens. You will need to keep her separate of the rooster until it heals in case he tries to mate her and puts a claw into it.
The fox will be back so penning them securely or keeping them cooped for at least a week would be wise but longer term a secure run will sadly be necessary. I've had foxes come and nab a chicken whilst I was there, I've given chase and got the chicken back only for them to come and nab another whilst I was tending the injured one. At this time of year, other (wild) food is limited and they will take greater risks because they are hungry and probably pregnant with cubs.

Great Barbara!
It's always so hard to know what you have available at times!

If infection is suspected in this case would oral antibiotics be necessary or would topical be best? Curious

@Keeperofmunchkins Personally (for me) a severe wound like, especially from a wild animal, I prefer to go ahead and give a round of oral/injectable antibiotics.
That's not always possible and here on BYC we have seen plenty recover without the antibiotics for sure, but I still prefer them in a situation like this.

 

[hector92]

Hi from England. Would you be able to get antibiotics for her? That wound looks nasty.

No where does antibiotics for chickens. I rang round all vets and they dog them. I'm trying my best to keep it clean.

 

[hector92]

No where does antibiotics for chickens. I rang round all vets and they dog them. I'm trying my best to keep it clean.

I went out looking for creams and wound sterilizing solutions this is what I found

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I went out looking for creams and wound sterilizing solutions this is what I found

I would use the Germomlene as suggested by @rebrascora she is most familiar with that product. I don't know anything about the other 2.

Is your hen's breathing regular now?

 

[Kiki]