Chicken with a hole in its back

[Lrm93]

so about 2 weeks ago my chicks went outside to be with my full grown chickens. So a couple of days ago I noticed one of the chicks has a big hole in its back. I'm assuming it got pecked by a big chicken. You can see inside the hole. It's very dry and gross. The chick also walks funny. Will it survive or should I put it down? He still eats and drinks and walks, he just limps. I included a photo.

 

[TheYLWFlock]

Well first clean it off ASAP! Warm water for sure, maybe add a bit salt... put some polysporin on it and maybe some vet wrap... how long has it been like this? How old is the hen?

Hopefully some experts can step in here!

 

[Lrm93]

Well first clean it off ASAP! Warm water for sure, maybe add a bit salt... put some polysporin on it and maybe some vet wrap... how long has it been like this? How old is the hen?

Hopefully some experts can step in here!

I got her from tractor supply the second week of march. So not exactly sure on age. All of the other ones I got at the same time are almost fully feathered. I noticed it 2 days ago. So it hasn't been like that for too long. Maybe 2-4 days?

 

[TheYLWFlock]

It’s not that she hasn’t grown in her feathers. They’ve been pecked out by the other birds. I’m not sure if they made that hole but you’ll need to start caring for the wound right away!

@KikisGirls @Wyorp Rock

Can you guys help?

 

[Bonniebooboo]

I would not leave her with the other birds. clean the wound well, flush it out with warm water, fill it with antibiotic ointment. I was wondering why is she so featherless? has she always been like this? I noticed in your picture they are getting a lot of corn, hopefully your are feeding the a high protein grower food, they need that, not so much the corn.
Best with your bird.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

@azygous @casportpony @Hen Pen Jem Can you guys help?

 

[casportpony]

Time to clean it really well. I suggest cleaning it with saline or distilled water and hibiclense or betadine. Check thoroughly for maggots!

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

Greetings Lrm93,

Bonniebooboo and TheYLWFlock are correct.

Separate the chicken in order to care for her/him properly. Wounds on the back are very dangerous, an air sac can get punctured or infected.

If you are just feeding corn, there is not enough nutrients or protein for the birds. They will start by eating feathers, then, pecking the flesh, then cannibalize, in order to get what they need to grow. This poor little one, is going to get killed if you do not intervene, and rectify the issue.

Another thing, placing small pullets with large adult hens is setting them up to be attacked and possibly killed. They shouldn't be with larger chickens until they are of substantial size to be able to protect themselves. And, even then, you will have to integrate them into the flock properly.


These are my thoughts on your pullets wound. Best to you and your flock.

God Bless

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I agree with everything posted so far.

Separate the chick, clean the wound, check for maggots, apply a triple antibiotic ointment. Start feeding a balanced poultry feed that is age appropriate like Chick Starter or Flock Raiser.

While you are at it, check the chick for external parasites.

 

[casportpony]

While you are at it, check the chick for external parasites.

x2!