Chicken head injury bloody chick 12 weeks

[EulalieChickens]

I have four 12 week old chicks. We have four hens born in July 2022. We have been trying to slowly introduce them since our chick cage is getting small for all four. We left them today in the run for two hours unattended. Things seemed ok when we left.

They were not. I am trying to take care of the injured chick. I have separated the chicks all back to their cage and tried to rinse out the blood and have separated the one with the head wound to a small make shift cage next to the other chicks.

What do I do? Will this chick survive? The chicks are all terrified but we can’t have two separate flocks. Should we wait till they are 14 weeks?

 

[Banana01]

I have four 12 week old chicks. We have four hens born in July 2022. We have been trying to slowly introduce them since our chick cage is getting small for all four. We left them today in the run for two hours unattended. Things seemed ok when we left.

They were not. I am trying to take care of the injured chick. I have separated the chicks all back to their cage and tried to rinse out the blood and have separated the one with the head wound to a small make shift cage next to the other chicks.

What do I do? Will this chick survive? The chicks are all terrified but we can’t have two separate flocks. Should we wait till they are 14 weeks?

Unfortunately if the chicks do not have a place to run and escape from agressive hens, they wont mix well in a small enclosed area. That wound is somewhat severe, but i have seen worse. The other chickens may continue pecking at it unfortunately. I personally apply coconut oil to head and peck wounds twice a day for a few days. It will eventually scab over if left alone, and the oil provides a nice antibacterial barrier. But others may chime in with other products to use like neosporin or antibacterial gels. I have always just used coconut oil and they scab nicely.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Welcome To BYC

Do you have a larger secured area for the chicks to have more space without being around the older chickens?
Not being mean, but they need out of the small cage, there is not enough room.

For the one that is scalped. Flush the wound with saline or chlorhexidine, then apply triple antibiotic ointment.
Keep flies away from the wound so she doesn't get maggots in the wounds.

Photos of your coop/run and how it's set up may be helpful, we may be able to offer some suggestions for integration.
Sq ft of coop and run is also helpful along with the number of adults you have, including any roosters.