Dog caught chicken but did not kill it

[coop co-op]

Hi, I am a first time chicken owner of 4 chicks about 4-5 weeks old. Today, while we were out, the dog got into the room where the brooding box is kept and brought the most docile of the chicks to my daughter's room! We initially assumed that she was dead, but she is alive. I did a very cursory check and it appears that she may have one puncture wound and is limping slightly but can get around. I gave her some sugar water with a little baby medicine dispenser and she was content for a while, but then stood up and seemed to want to join the rest of the family. Her 'brothers and sisters' seem to be taking care of her and are just snuggling down for the night. I'm thinking I should let her sleep and attempt to clean her wounds more thoroughly in the morning and maybe put a splint on her leg.

Is there anything else I can/should do for her? The other chicks don't seem to be abusing her - can I trust that they will all just sleep through the night or should I separate her? They seem to get distressed when they are apart.

Thank you in advance for your help. I feel just awful. I would be sad if any of the chicks got hurt, but this one in particular was/is my baby. She always came to roost on my arm, leg or shoulder and would stay there for as long as I allowed her to.

 

[GranmaEm]

You need to clean the puncture wound to prevent infection.

If you have a syringe, you can clean it out with some saline or Betadine solution, and dress with an antibiotic ointment. Keep a close watch on her, but it does't sound necessary to isolate the chick. I'd also avoid a splint unless the bone is definitely broken or she can't bear weight on the leg.

They're pretty tough!

 

[coop co-op]

Oh, thank you so much Granma Em! I was so worried that I had sent her to her doom by allowing her to be with the other chicks! I will clean it in the morning (unless they are awake when I go up there).

I feel such mixed feelings toward my dog. I know she was just acting on her instincts as a dog, and that it was human error that left the door to the chick room open - but those are my babies! I am making up with the dog, but it's a little tough.

thanks again!

 

[GranmaEm]

I know. I called the cuddly King Charles spaniel that attacked the Polish hen I had to take care of "Killer" for the next month! It's just instinct I guess.