Graphic Photo - gaping neck wound, what can I do?

[TheCopperCoop]

Went out to do chicken chores this morning, and found our 9-month-old Barnevelder hen sitting in the coop alone with a gaping wound bleeding from her neck. The rest of the hens and two roosters were already out in the run. I have separated her into a clean large kennel in our basement and she is drinking water but still bleeding.

I'm not sure what happened, there's no sign of forced entry into the coop or run and no sign of a struggle struggle. My only guess, is one of the two roosters, but I'm not sure why or how they would do such a thing.

I have a antibiotic veterinarian spray for chickens that I have been hesitant to use because of how big the wound is and how much internal workings I can see. What can I do for her?

We won't be able to take her to a vet this weekend, but I can run to the farm store and get more supplies to treat her if there's something that can be done.

Photos are below. The wound is about 2 to 2 and 1/2 in long and wraps around from the side to the back of her neck.

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

Went out to do chicken chores this morning, and found our 9-month-old Barnevelder hen sitting in the coop alone with a gaping wound bleeding from her neck. The rest of the hens and two roosters were already out in the run. I have separated her into a clean large kennel in our basement and she is drinking water but still bleeding.

I'm not sure what happened, there's no sign of forced entry into the coop or run and no sign of a struggle struggle. My only guess, is one of the two roosters, but I'm not sure why or how they would do such a thing.

I have a antibiotic veterinarian spray for chickens that I have been hesitant to use because of how big the wound is and how much internal workings I can see. What can I do for her?

We won't be able to take her to a vet this weekend, but I can run to the farm store and get more supplies to treat her if there's something that can be done.

Photos are below. The wound is about 2 to 2 and 1/2 in long and wraps around from the side to the back of her neck.View attachment 2976741View attachment 2976742

Is it from here ear? And is it still bleeding? If so lather cornstarch or baking flour to stop bleeding the wipe up mess and repost of posible....from the pic it doesnt look like the whole spot is an injury

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

Is it from here ear? And is it still bleeding? If so lather cornstarch or baking flour to stop bleeding the wipe up mess and repost of posible....from the pic it doesnt look like the whole spot is an injury

The part that she is still active and eating and such is good

 

[TheCopperCoop]

Is it from here ear? And is it still bleeding? If so lather cornstarch or baking flour to stop bleeding the wipe up mess and repost of posible....from the pic it doesnt look like the whole spot is an injury

I can try to get a better picture, but I can assure you the whole bloody spot in the photo is a wide open injury. It is still bleeding. I'm worried about applying any pressure of material to stop the bleeding because it is so big and so exposed. What would work best?

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

I can try to get a better picture, but I can assure you the whole bloody spot is a wide open injury.

Ok I believe you since your the one standing front of her.do you have corn starch I would lather it very lightly. And then in about idk 10 mons. You can grab warm water or washcloth and lightly rub it off. And it should be a blood clot

 

[Lizzy733]

It doesn't look to be bleeding heavily, which is good. Betadine or any other antibiotic ointment without pain relief can be used directly on the wound - or a general wound wash for humans. - just mind the 'without pain relief' part.

It looks like there's a flap of skin there that could be stitched? If so, a vet visit should be priority, otherwise non-stick gauze and vetwrap, though I'm not sure how well that would stay on. If a vet visit is far away, as you say, the wound may have healed over too much for stitches by the time you get her out.

How is she taking it? Doesn't look to be in shock from the photos. If she seems ok and it can be reliably wrapped, she may be okay for see but don't touch outdoors, otherwise keep her in isolation.

Are there any exposed nails or other hazards she could have possibly torn it on in the coop? I think you're right in suspecting a spur injury though.

 

[Lizzy733]

Oh, if it isn't clotting on its own, any kind of styptic powder, like cornstarch already mentioned. There's heaps of alternatives if you don't have that on hand specifically. Just google styptic powder alternatives and there should be something you have on-hand.

I'd try application with a q-tip or sterile gauze though instead of with your hands directly and just to the areas of the wound still bleeding.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Ok I believe you since your the one standing front of her.do you have corn starch I would lather it very lightly. And then in about idk 10 mons. You can grab warm water or washcloth and lightly rub it off. And it should be a blood clot

No warm water, cold helps stop, or reduce bleeding.

 

[MysteryChicken]

It doesn't look to be bleeding heavily, which is good. Betadine or any other antibiotic ointment without pain relief can be used directly on the wound - or a general wound wash for humans. - just mind the 'without pain relief' part.

It looks like there's a flap of skin there that could be stitched? If so, a vet visit should be priority, otherwise non-stick gauze and vetwrap, though I'm not sure how well that would stay on. If a vet visit is far away, as you say, the wound may have healed over too much for stitches by the time you get her out.

How is she taking it? Doesn't look to be in shock from the photos. If she seems ok and it can be reliably wrapped, she may be okay for see but don't touch outdoors, otherwise keep her in isolation.

Are there any exposed nails or other hazards she could have possibly torn it on in the coop? I think you're right in suspecting a spur injury though.

No stitches, or wrap. Stitches creates a high risk of infection.

The wound needs to air heal. So, only regular cleanings, & plain non pain Relieving Antibiotic ointment to help keep it moist.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Flour/cornstarch mix is a fast acting bleedstop blend that's easy to make. Plain flour works fine too.