Chicken Wound Healing Process

[melsherm3]

Hey everyone,

So about a month ago, our hen, 'Pat' was attacked by a raccoon. I've been blogging about her healing progress as I thought it might be useful for anyone else going through the same thing. I had trouble finding photos of wounds as big as hers (she had a huge chunk of skin torn off), so it was tough for me to figure out if she was going to make it. You can read it here: Chicken Wound Healing Process. ***WARNING: GRAPHIC PHOTOS***

Also, I just wanted to thank everyone who has posted previously about similar issues. This forum has been super valuable to me for this situation!

Melissa

 

[sourland]

Given half a chance, I am amazed by the resiliency of these birds. They have amazing recuperative powers. You have done a great job with her.

 

[ali12gap]

Wonderful post! Thank you so much for documenting so thoroughly. I have had chickens for a little over a year and 2 flocks and 4 fosters. We have been fortunate enough not to have any serious injuries until this morning. I was very upset and confused, but after reading you post I have hope. Thanks again!

 

[melsherm3]

We just updated our site so I wanted to provide an updated link for this blog. You can see it here now: Chicken Wound Healing Process.

 

[GranmaEm]

Great care!

I had a similar experience with a Polish hen. They are amazing and survive extensive injuries.

 

[bamitsbrittany]

How did you know it was a raccoon? I have a chicken with open wounds. He has large peices of skin missing showing the muscles. He is only 2 months old but large. All of my chickens free range together but get put away in two separate groups. Idk what attacked him. I'm thinking another chicken except he is injured on his neck and under his wing. He is acting normal. I put vetericyn on him. And am keeping him indoors separate from the others. Idk what else to do...

 

[melsherm3]

I actually saw the raccons. One way to tell it's a raccoon is when it's just skin ripped off. They aren't natural predators, so their kill instinct isn't like a fox or wolf, which will usually successfully kill a chicken. Racoons grab. Chickens also pick on each other so it could be one of the other chickens. Or a dog if you have one.

The most important thing is just to keep the wound from getting infected. If he's acting normal, I bet he'll be ok. I've heard BluKote is good for wounds. It stains your skin really bad, so use gloves. The blue also makes the other chickens less interested in pecking it.

 

[mtflowers]

Thank you for the very helpful information. "Crystal" my 8 year old's red pet chicken was attacked by something ...we're not sure but we found a scattered pile of long brown feathers that we think our dogs grabbed from some flying predator. Her condition is similar to your photos. I have washed her three times with Dawn dish soapy water and applied Neosporin and purple spray for animals. I will now switch to saline and betadine. It was very helpful to see your photos so I will not be freaking out at the dried condition of the exposed area. Also seeing the length of time it took for your chicken to be up an around was informative. Thank you again.

 

[melsherm3]

Glad it was helpful! I remember wondering a lot how long it would take to get back to normal. Less than 2 months to completely heal is pretty impressive considering how big the wound was.

 

[CNYmicaa]

Thanks for the story of healing. I have a one year old flock of Buff Orpingtons, who I allow to free range. One today came back traumatized and with a similar sized patch of skin missing, along with one small puncture wound. I cleaned it out well and put dermabond on, but then thought I probably shouldnt have sealed it. I went and bought the Blue Kote, got the superglue loose/off as I could, and sprayed with the blue. She was put in a crate immediately with food and water, but doesn't seem interested. I don't know if it was a fox or a coon. Another one is also very skittish and missing feathers but no wounds. Seems like a fox would've had a successful kill with 2 tries...I am glad its possible she may heal.