Dog got to my chicken, what do I do?

[Hawkeye2010]

The cuts are definitely to the "inside" if that makes sense. I put some blue ointment on it. It is moving and eating. Anything else I can do? Thanks

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Yes, sorry this happened. First treat for shock. Offer electrolytes or sugar water: dissolve 1 tsp sugar, a pinch salt and a pinch baking soda in 1 cup warm water. Hold some up to her beak in a little cup for her to drink. If necessary, dip her beak in it, but don't get any in her nostrils.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Next, wash the wounds thoroughly. You can make sterile saline solution and put it in a spray bottle and spritz it good so you don't have to scrub. @Eggcessive may also suggest a commercial product for cleansing, I think it's called Hibiclens. Then blot dry gently with a clean towel or paper towel. Finally coat the wound with triple antibiotic ointment that does NOT contain pain reliever, as that is toxic to chickens, and leave it uncovered. Put her in a quiet, safe place where the other chickens can't peck her and keep flies away from her. Treat as described twice daily. You may wish to clip feathers away from the wound so you can see what you are doing. Good luck, she should recover fine.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Is that wound on her leg? It does not look too bad.

 

[CabritaChicks]

The cuts are definitely to the "inside" if that makes sense. I put some blue ointment on it. It is moving and eating. Anything else I can do? Thanks

This comes up often- especially in clinic.
Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) – Do not use full-strength on an open wound in a chicken. It can damage tissue and slow healing (also cause a blood toxicity). If used at all, it must be diluted and only under specific guidance. It’s fine for cleaning skin around the wound, not inside it. Just ask people who work in human medical field!

• Bacitracin– Generally safe for small open wounds on chickens. Apply a thin layer after cleaning with a saline solution wash.

In short: Hibiclens = good for skin cleaning around wounds, not inside; Bacitracin = safer for actual wound coverage. I like, depending on severity to wrap on vetwrap.

Homemade Emergency Chicken Electrolyte Recipe (for 1 gallon of water):

• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ teaspoon potassium chloride (often sold as “salt substitute”). Salt substitute is used because it usually contains potassium chloride, which supplies potassium — an essential electrolyte that works alongside sodium to regulate nerve signals, muscle contraction, and fluid balance in chickens.

But if you dont have availability: fruit juice an give a jolt of energy. (but to be clear- sugar is not an electrolyte, it is just energy).

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Giving a chicken sugar water is the equivalent of our British friends giving you a very sweet "cuppa" tea following any kind of shock, it's bracing.