Deep gash in area we have been watching as a possible infected follicle....

[ZJchicks]

Hello all,

Our runt (Nugget) was for some reason delayed developmentally, and although she is finally coming along and looking more like a chicken, and less like a chick, she has a new injury.

We had already been watching this area for a few days to a week. The feathers did not seem to be coming through well. We tried assisting a few through with tweezers but they didn't want to budge. There was a small bump with a red dot in the center making me think it was an infected follicle. I took a picture of this yesterday. Today, went back to check the area and found a nasty gash. I immediately treated with Betadine and then put some Neosporin on the wound. So the gash looks extra gooey from the Neo.

Anyone think this is a major concern? Also do you think the other chickens could have done it? When they dust bathe, Nugget gets way up under the other birds. Wonder if they could have scratched her or if there is a loose piece of sharp wire in the run.

The first picture I took yesterday just trying to watch the swollen area. Then the next two are today when I found the gash and treated it.

 

[Eggcessive]

I agree that it looks like a scrape or a scratch. I would try some BluKote on it for antiseptic and masking properties. Neosporin (plain) ointment and blue food coloring might work in a pinch.

 

[ZJchicks]

What is the purpose of blue food coloring? I did use Betadine on it already, which is an antiseptic.

I'm just worried that the other girls are picking on her. She is significantly smaller then them, but she seems quite confident...