Coyote Attack

[ACaliforniaChick]

I just rescued my approx. year-old RIR from the jaws of a coyote. She lost all tail feathers and has at least two lacerations. They are bloody, but not actually bleeding much. I have isolated her with food and water and she is pecking at scratch like normal. I'm sure I need to worry about infection. What advice can anyone give? Is there a recommendation for a chicken vet in the South SF Bay area? Thank you!

 

[kareema113]

I am posting to see if the other replies that appear to be here will now be visible. The author has started a new thread entitled "Help! Does anyone see this?"

 

[urbanfarmer101]

There was a great thread about a dog attack that happend on Thursday. I will see if I can find it. You can also enter it in the search box in the upper right side of BYC's page.

Keep them clean and dry. You will need something for the infection, but I cannot remeber which neosporin to use. Better search it.

BTW, you are very brave.



Here is the link, hope it helps.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=338300

 

[kareema113]

You can get water soluble terramycin and also injectable penicillin and syringes at the feedstore, depending on which way you want to go. The cost is minimal, like $10 or less. I have never dealt with a wild animal bite, so those more experienced can tell you what works better and for how long.

Triple antibiotic cream and hydrogen peroxide will clean the wounds well. The generic kind does not have any pain reliever in it.


And I agree... you are very brave to take on a coyote.

 

[Mervin]

I've seen recommendations to clean the wounds and use neosporin, but make sure it doesn't have pain reliever in it. The "cane" pain relievers are supposed to be toxic to chickens.

I bought terramycin powder a few weeks back from TSC and it was about $6. I was putting about a 1/4 tsp in a gallon of water.

 

[ACaliforniaChick]

Thanks, I found the thread on dog attacks. Wow! I never thought about dogs being such a problem. I must be very lucky to own a dog who is protective of my birds. Bengal is a rescued pit bull mix and if I am not in the yard with free ranging hens, I am usually diligent about making sure the dog is with them. Had he been there, I'm quite sure the coyote would have aborted his attack. But, Bengal had followed me into the house. When we heard the commotion outside we both bolted to the rescue. So ... I didn't actually take on the coyote all by myself. As I was collecting the injured hen, it was satisfying to see my dog scare the wits out of the coyote who did several laps around the yard looking for the small hole in the fence to escape. Now I know where to patch. Anyway, I never knew you could get antibiotics at the feed supply. I'll check on that this morning. As of late last night my bird was still acting fine and eating. I'll post an update later.