Cockerel savaged Hen

[EggWalrus]

I have very good dog nail trimmers, and find that the big spurs on my Chanteclers are too tough to cut with them, at least for me. It's funny, really, but there it is...
Mary

I've even used electrician dykes/side cutters. They worked great, better than the dog cutters, but the dog cutters are light and they fit right in my shirt pocket so they're easier for me to handle with a chicken in one hand.

 

[BarryTheBold]

Plain Neosporin or Triple Antibiotic Ointment are great for putting on the wounds after cleaning the wounds with chlorhexidene twice a day. Do you have any pictures?

 

[BarryTheBold]

It’s like that on both sides - I dunked her in clorhexidine and fed her food. She’s now hanging out by the heater and will go back into her safe space when she’s more dry. It’s pretty gnarly but she seems ok. Going to get triple antibiotic without pain meds and see if I can get some on there. Thanks again for all you help everyone!

 

[Folly's place]

Have her away from any litter or bedding, rather use pads or towels.
That cockerel needs that crock pot!!!
Mary

 

[BarryTheBold]

I have a 5 month old cockerel that savaged one of my hens. The underneath of her wings are bare to the muscles. I have her separate in a box where no one can hurt her. She seems ok, she was eating rice and making normal noises (she’s very talkative). I sprayed with chlorohexidine and she’s quiet now. Can a hen recover from something like this? Cockerel is living his last night outside away from the other girls, as I refuse to let anyone else get hurt. Thank you for any and all advice or help.

 

[BarryTheBold]

Have her away from any litter or bedding, rather use pads or towels.
That cockerel needs that crock pot!!!
Mary

Yep, using towels! And yes, a rooster soup is on the menu!

 

[aart]

Might want to trim any feathers near the wound so they don't get stuck in it.
You're doing good @BarryTheBold ...keeping it clean will heal it up pretty quick.

Not sure why all the discussion about spurs when this attacker doesn't have any at 5 months old. SMH.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

fed her food.

Hi there, hope you are enjoying BYC!

Sorry your hen had some trouble. It does sound like she will recover just fine... thanks to having a keeper willing to take action if needed.

Sorry to ask... but earlier you mentioned she was eating rice... was that just a quick pick up snack and are you also feeding a formulated ration?

What are you feeding including treats and supplements on a regular basis?

 

[BarryTheBold]

Hi there, hope you are enjoying BYC!

Sorry your hen had some trouble. It does sound like she will recover just fine... thanks to having a keeper willing to take action if needed.

Sorry to ask... but earlier you mentioned she was eating rice... was that just a quick pick up snack and are you also feeding a formulated ration?

What are you feeding including treats and supplements on a regular basis?

She is eating right now- I soak & ferment organic scratch n peck layer formula, free from soy and corn. They also get black sunflower seeds when it’s cold or they are molting for the added fats and protein. Plus they eat lots of grass and bugs during the day. I like to soak the food so it helps with their water intake but they have access to lots of fresh water and some with added apple cider vinegar. Also oyster shells are available for the girls who want them.

 

[Skippersnh]

I wouldn't cull a 5 month old cockeral that hasn't had a chance to level out hormones and learn how to mate properly just because your hen is in molt and doesn't have feathers to protect her back
It's not his fault she's in molt and that why she has injuries
He could turnout to be a great rooster given a chance
I've had to separate a few hens before during molt due to the same issue it was my responsibility to make sure they weren't mated when they were in that condition especially being around a inexperienced cockeral