Force feeding and watering

[BOrion]

I have a hen that was attacked twice. I tried integrating her using the advice in the many threads, but to no avail. Her injuries don't look life threatening. This last time, about four days ago, she stopped eating or drinking or leaving her cage. She is protected from the rest of the flock but within eyesight. I have been feeding her yogurt and applesauce with a syringe every two hrs during the day, along with water containing Gatorade (the closest thing I have to electrolytes) and some dissolved probiotic pill. I did that yesterday and today I dissolved some layer pellets in the applesauce mixture, but still had to force feed her. How long should I keep this up? What could be the matter with her?

I felt her crop. It's soft and pretty empty except for her grit, I think. I'm new to chickens. She's about 7 months old. Thank you.

 

[aoxa]

What exactly are her injuries?

 

[BOrion]

One of her eyes is pretty beat up, but her eyeball looks ok. A couple of holes, not too deep, on her head and neck. A little blood on her legs. I can't see anything else, but now I'm wondering if she was hurt internally? I put neosporin on her injuries when it first happened.

 

[aoxa]

One of her eyes is pretty beat up, but her eyeball looks ok.  A couple of holes, not too deep, on her head and neck.  A little blood on her legs.  I can't see anything else, but now I'm wondering if she was hurt internally? I put neosporin on her injuries when it first happened. 

I don't see the harm in giving her antibiotics just as a precaution in case she does have an infection brewing. I had a cat that was attacked by another animal. He had 3 tiny puncture wounds that turned into a staff infection. The vet had prescribed him antibiotics as soon as the attack happened, but they weren't strong enough.

I hope you can get to a feed store and pick up some antibiotics meant for them. There are some that also have electrolytes and vitamins to stimulate feed intake. Might as well try that. It's called Super Booster.

 

[BOrion]

Just came in from her feeding. She left her cage and walked about 10 ft to the fence, presumably for shade and to see her flock. Some of her eye lid? is missing. Not sure she can even close that eye. I massaged her gullet. She's fighting me a little more, but still not eating by herself. Maybe she's getting better?

 

[BOrion]

thank you