This is Fluffy. She is around 20 weeks old and just started laying last week. Fluffy was fine yesterday, but this morning I found her like this. I am new to raising chickens and this is the first injury I've seen. I don't know what this is or what to do. How serious is this, and what can I do to help? Any advice would be very much appreciated. She shares a coop and run with 6 other pullets of the same age. I got 6 of them at 1-2 days after hatching, and one bantam cochin a month or so later. In my flock I have 1 buff orpington (pictured), 2 Americaunas, 1 Buff Rock, 1 bantam Cochin, 1 Partridge Rock, and 1 Maran. They all seem to get along fine.
If you haven't already, separate her from the rest of her flock until her comb heals up a bit. comb wounds aren't usually a serious problem, just keep it clean and maybe give her some electrolytes. good luck!
I would do a few things: 1. Gently sponge off the comb with some warm water to remove the blood. 2. Apply triple antibiotic ointment (make sure you always avoid cremes with "pain reliever" in them- usually indicated by an ingredient that ends in "-caine"). Neosporin works well. 3. If you have something called Vetericyn (comes in a spray or spray gel)- this is a great product for promoting healing and closing wounds 4. There is a product called "Blue Kote" that comes in a spray or "paint on" form- this should be applied over the top of any open cuts/wounds as it will prevent other chickens from picking at the wound. Chickens will naturally want to peck at something raw and bloody- they could do a lot more damage than what's been done already. I buy both of those last two products at a feed/tack store. I can't tell from the picture if there are flaps of skin hanging off, or if it's just a cut to the folds of the comb. If there is hanging flesh, you may need a vet who could remove it. Possibly it could reheal/reattach on its own, depending on how much is hanging.
It does look to me like part of the comb is dead, and has been ripped off, but is still attached. You should disinfect it with betadine, and with clean sharp scissors, cut it off if possible. Then apply pressure for 5 minutes to stop bleeding and let it clot. Blood stop powder could also be used. Then apply antibiotic ointment twice a day. A vet could do this very easily if possible, but this will take an extra pair of hands holding her wrapped up in a towel.
