Chicken with large head wound after being attacked

[luvsungs]

Today I got home from work to find all but 2 of my chickens missing. We had 6 medium sized chicks and 3 full grown chickens, but all are gone. One chicken had both of its eyes closed shut from dried blood. The only injury on this chicken was maybe a few scratches on the face that scabbed over. I cleaned it off as best as I could while trying not to make it worse with a wet paper towel. The other chicken is in TERRIBLE condition. It's entire scalp was ripped up/tore off. I can't really describe it. It's hard to get a picture because it's hiding in a far back corner of the coop where I can't reach. I'm too afraid to try and treat the wound in case I made it worse. Both are hiding and not drinking or eating. I'm also concerned that the large head wound is infected. The top of the head has a large white glob? I'm not sure if it's pus or something else. These are my first chickens and there are no vets nearby who will treat chickens. I honestly have no idea what to do.

 

[All Ball]

Search on this site for large head wounds. See pictures of horrible wounds that chickens recovered from. I had a sick hen who recovered from the roo trying to kill her off early by pecking her head bloody, but she didn't have any white stuff.

Also let me figure out how to link to someone, there are 2 experts on this site who may have advice.

 

[All Ball]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/members/casportpony.151473/

 

[All Ball]

casportpony and eggcessive may have info. I hope this amounts to a ping....not sure.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/members/eggcessive.85053/

 

[nicollee]

If no one else has a better suggestion, get some Vetricyn, found in feed barns or PetCo. My hens were attacked, and this stuff did a good job of helping them heal...

 

[christwodog]

I'm no expert, but I believe some basic first aid for her is critical. If the attack just happened today, it's probably not infected yet - but it should be cleaned and at least apply a triple antibiotic ointment. If you use Neosporin, make sure it's not the one with pain relief. Make sure they don't get dehydrated, if you have to, use an eyedropper to get some water in the side of their beaks, preferably their right side (windpipe is on the left). I wouldn't be concerned about making it worse, sounds like it's pretty bad and if I were in your place, I would at least try get the wound clean and covered with antibiotic.

 

[staceyj]

To tag someone you use their name like this
@casportpony @Eggcessive @KikisGirls @Wyorp Rock

When did the attack occur?

While we are waiting for the Calvary to arrive, get to work and don’t be afraid. These are your chickens and you are responsible for caring for them.

Head wounds and scalping injuries bleed like crazy and look godawful but chickens can heal from some UNBELIEVABLE stuff !

The white thing you are seeing is probably the base of the comb.

Bring them inside, Take a moment to take a few clear pictures that you CAN post here so we can help guide you.

Then get their wounds cleaned up gently but thoroughly with soap and water and slather them good with triple antibiotic ointment (not the pain killing kind). See if you can get them to drink any water.

Prepare a dog crate or cardboard box in a warm, dark room (like a bathroom) with a towel in the bottom so they don’t slip around, so they can feel safe inside tonight and recover from the shock of this terrible experience.

 

[staceyj]

I'm no expert, but I believe some basic first aid for her is critical. If the attack just happened today, it's probably not infected yet - but it should be cleaned and at least apply a triple antibiotic ointment. If you use Neosporin, make sure it's not the one with pain relief. Make sure they don't get dehydrated, if you have to, use an eyedropper to get some water in the side of their beaks, preferably their right side (windpipe is on the left). I wouldn't be concerned about making it worse, sounds like it's pretty bad and if I were in your place, I would at least try get the wound clean and covered with antibiotic.

Exactly

 

[staceyj]

IMPORTANT UPDATE:

Put them in SEPARATE cages/crates/boxes so no one pecks the other’s injuries!

 

[Kessel23]

I had a young cockerel stick his head through the wire by my BBB turkeys and they skinned his head. When I cam into to coop I saw the turkeys pecking at him and he already looked dead. I saw him move though and rushed over, I pulled him out and this is what he looked like.

I put some neosporin on it and kept him separated, he was in shock for a while.

He slowly recovered though and this is his most recent picture:

There are lots of better ways to clean a cut and prevent infection, all I was able to do was put neosporin on it though, luckily it worked.