Comb damage young hen

[Sjolz]

Hello all,
One of my 4 month old hens appears to have done damage to her still-growing comb. I’ve attached pics. She seems to be behaving relatively normally. I’ve read that some cut it clean off at this point, but not sure if it applies with this age pullet and/or this amount of damage. I don’t think this was caused by a predator, but more likely self-inflicted. I’d add that my hens are generally not keen on being picked up; might be an age thing but not sure since this is my first go with chickens. I’d rather limit the amount of stress on the chicken by chasing or cornering her, but will do what’s necessary obviously.
thanks for any constructive input.

 

[M-H-Fielding]

I had that happen to one of my hens, and it was caused by the roo. He was a bit aggressive, and after he attacked her the other hens jumped in to fight with her.
I separated her and kept the wound clean and she was fine.

 

[RainbowHen]

I would cut it off the rest of the way. Even if it heals the chances of reinjury are high. Best of luck!

 

[Sjolz]

So if I end up cutting it, anyone have any resources to share. Not sure if I cut off just the floppy part that’s no longer connected, or cut off the entire comb. Also, what tools are needed? Any tips appreciated.

 

[roosterhavoc]

So if I end up cutting it, anyone have any resources to share. Not sure if I cut off just the floppy part that’s no longer connected, or cut off the entire comb. Also, what tools are needed? Any tips appreciated.

Fiskars leather/fabric shears. You can get them at Walmart or craft stores. Just cut the rest of it off. Grab the remaining part and pull up hard while cutting the rest off. It might seem scary but it’s not honestly. It’ll be over in a split second. The comb will bleed some but flour, fire wood ash, blood stop powder or something similar will help the blood to clot and scab over. You don’t need any special medicine or pain relievers or anything else.

 

[micstrachan]

Hello all,
One of my 4 month old hens appears to have done damage to her still-growing comb. I’ve attached pics. She seems to be behaving relatively normally. I’ve read that some cut it clean off at this point, but not sure if it applies with this age pullet and/or this amount of damage. I don’t think this was caused by a predator, but more likely self-inflicted. I’d add that my hens are generally not keen on being picked up; might be an age thing but not sure since this is my first go with chickens. I’d rather limit the amount of stress on the chicken by chasing or cornering her, but will do what’s necessary obviously.
thanks for any constructive input.

This happened to my Barred Rock her first year. I literally did nothing for it. The torn part dried up and fell off, and now she just has a shorter comb. I think she might have caught it in the chicken wire, which is what I had around the run at the time.

 

[JaredandLauren]

Maybe put blue kote on it with a qtip After you put the blood stop powder on so it’s disinfected and to stop other chickens from pecking at it.