Dog attack, getting chicken to eat?

[Lnzsmith]

Hi there, our Australorp was attacked by a roving dog that jumped our fence yesterday. We got to it before he killed her but she sustained a significant gash on her back and loss of feathers, etc. We have basics for wound care--cleaned it out w/hydrogen peroxide, packed it with neosporin, the wound itself doesn't look bad. But she's not eating. She will drink when we stimulate her but not eating. We want to get her back out w/the flock (she's the leader, likely she is missing them) but feel like she should be eating before we put her out again. (She is crated in a warm basement area).

We really don't feel like there were internal injuries. She has eliminated quite a bit over 24 hrs. But, won't eat.

 

[chickenlittle21]

Feed her mash and herbs, she might eat that.

 

[Lnzsmith]

Feed her mash and herbs, she might eat that.

What should be in the mash?

 

[Eggcessive]

I would try to coax eating with scrambled egg bits, watery chicken feed, canned tuna or cat food held up to her beak in a small bowl. I would stop the peroxide, and use either Vetericyn wound spray, saline or water to clean the wound, and repeat the Neosporin twice a day. Do you hear any air escaping the wounds? Do you have a picture? She may be just sore, but they can get shaken or squeezed during an attack. She needs to be kept separated from the flock at least by a wire dog crate, where she can see but not be pecked on her wounds.

 

[Lnzsmith]

I would try to coax eating with scrambled egg bits, watery chicken feed, canned tuna or cat food held up to her beak in a small bowl. I would stop the peroxide, and use either Vetericyn wound spray, saline or water to clean the wound, and repeat the Neosporin twice a day. Do you hear any air escaping the wounds? Do you have a picture? She may be just sore, but they can get shaken or squeezed during an attack. She needs to be kept separated from the flock at least by a wire dog crate, where she can see but not be pecked on her wounds.

How do I treat w/the Vetiricyn, we have that for a vent prolapse a couple years ago, it is expired but still have most of it. We are using a 50/50 water / peroxide solution but I do know that can be more irritating that healing. What ratio of salt to water for saline rinse? I mixed up a homemade electrolyte solution, is that ok? Due to lockdown we can't just go to a store to get supplies right now.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would use the Vetericyn if you feel comfortable. If you want to make saline, it is 1 tsp table salt to a quart/liter of water, boiled for a few minutes and cooled. Or 1/4 tsp per 8 ounce cup water. Store in jar. Peroxide can prevent healing. Homemade electrolytes are fine too.

 

[Baumshell28]

I would use the Vetericyn if you feel comfortable. If you want to make saline, it is 1 tsp table salt to a quart/liter of water, boiled for a few minutes and cooled. Or 1/4 tsp per 8 ounce cup water. Store in jar. Peroxide can prevent healing. Homemade electrolytes are fine too.

Not sure about chickens...
I’ve held 2 certifications for the last 21 years: EMT & Medical Assistant
I know for humans, hydrogen peroxide can make wounds/cuts/scrapes “more” infected since majority of people are not taught how to use it correctly...which is a thorough wash out directly after using the hydrogen peroxide. The bubbling peroxide gets down deep with its natural action, but if not washed out, then the infection or irritant is also worked deep with it given a nice deep environment to fester. So in the future, applying to humans, always get a nice deep rinse afterwards.

 

[Lnzsmith]

Not sure about chickens...
I’ve held 2 certifications for the last 21 years: EMT & Medical Assistant
I know for humans, hydrogen peroxide can make wounds/cuts/scrapes “more” infected since majority of people are not taught how to use it correctly...which is a thorough wash out directly after using the hydrogen peroxide. The bubbling peroxide gets down deep with its natural action, but if not washed out, then the infection or irritant is also worked deep with it given a nice deep environment to fester. So in the future, applying to humans, always get a nice deep rinse afterwards.

 

[Lnzsmith]

So chicken is having a hard time standing today, and has a breathing issue like she is purring. This isn't good, right? (Dog attack happened about 36 hours ago).

 

[Lnzsmith]

She just won't eat at all. we are pretty sad, she is a pet and a sweet girl.