Comb tear

[HeatherEmme]

Yesterday I noticed that my BO's head looked very dirty. Upon closer inspection I realized it was dried blood from what looks to be a tear in the back part of her comb. Part of it is still dangling on.

I washed the wound as best I could with warm soapy water. She let me get some of the dried blood off. I sprayed it with vetericyn and then put on a bit of blue kote. There wasn't any real way to bandage up her head so I left it open.

Is there any more I could or should do for it?

It's about 50ish degrees out but it's expected to snow tomorrow. I imagine the girls will be stuck in their coop and I'm worried about them pecking her, which is where I believe she got the injury in the first place. Seems she made it fine over night with them though. I find that since the winter when they've had little vegetation and sun light, they become bored and agitated and pick on the BO more often. I find we didn't have much of this problem in the summer. Any tips on how to keep them from bullying her?


Thanks!

 

[Eggcessive]

It is difficult this time of year when they won't or can't go outside much. The more docile ones tend to get picked on. Just make sure that they have enough room in their coop, and try to hang some cabbage or fruit to peck at. Give them some things to explore. I will throw a little scratch around the coop daily for them to hunt and find. If you have too many in there or there is an aggressive one, maybe re-homing some would be helpful. The comb will probably be fine whether you put Neosporin ointment or other medicines or not. I have had rooster with injured combs who were to wild to catch heal fine. Grabbing them off the roost at night is the best time to doctor them.

 

[HeatherEmme]

Thank you so much for the response! My BO is my favorite hen and I've been so worried about her.

 

[LOTSAGIRLS8]

Is it okay to use Neosporin on their comb? I have a hen that is getting pecked at too and
Vetricin is just not in the budget right now.

 

[Eggcessive]

Is it okay to use Neosporin on their comb? I have a hen that is getting pecked at too and
Vetricin is just not in the budget right now.

Just make sure it is the plain Neosporin without painkiller.

 

[BantamLover21]

She should be fine, chickens get comb injuries all the time. Just keep the wound clean and watch for infection or signs of other chickens picking at it.