Fox attack

[Kmackinney]

Looking for help..we saved one of our hens from a fox this morning. We’ve cleaned the wound and applied Neosporin to it. She resting in a large tote in our home. My question, is there anything else we can do for her??

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry about your hen. How is she acting now? Is she alert and active, or in shock, can she stand and walk, has she eaten or drunk anything, and how bad is the wound? Have you looks through feathers and under wings for any hidden puncture wounds? Sometimes they can be internally injured, and may not want to eat or drink. I would keep her quiet in a dim crate, and let her rest tonight, then see if she will take water and food in the morning. Check her droppings for anything unusual, such as blood.

Welcome to BYC.

 

[Kmackinney]

She’s actually eaten and drank on her own. She’s been quiet but periodically moves around in the tote and pops her head up to look around.
We’ve cleaned all of the skin breaks. It didn’t seem like the fox had a tight grip on her. I’m worried about infection. I’m hoping the wound spray and Neosporin help keep it at bay. All suggestions or advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[Eggcessive]

Chlorhexidene, betadine, vetericyn wound spray, or saline are all good for wound cleaning, and plain neosporin/triple antibiotic ointment, bacitracin, polysporin are all good to use for wound care. Green skin may be seen, and is usually from bruising. Infection causes puss, redness, and a foul odor, but is pretty rare. I would hope that she is up walking tomorrow, but she will do what she feels like doing at her own pace. I had a hen attacked by a dog who suffered cuts, scrapes, and severe feather loss who could barely stand, but she made a full recovery. Keep us updated.

 

[Kmackinney]

Thank you so much for your advice. We are one month out and you can barely tell which girl got hurt. They’re all back to flock business!!

 

[Eggcessive]

Thank you for the update, and good to hear that she is all well.