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

[TheCopperCoop]

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.

I just checked on her again and bleeding does seemed to have slowed/stopped so I did end up applying the poultry antibiotic spray. There is no flap of skin unfortunately, it's almost as if it got completely ripped off and then...devoured? It's such a mystery to me that such a large piece of skin and feathers could be missing and there's no sign of it.

Both our roosters are less than a year as well so their spurs are barely more than nubs, I was thinking more like their beaks?

Nutmeg seems to be taking it ok. She is moving a little bit, albeit slowly, around the kennel and there's a low roost she's sitting on and she's still drinking water.

We live in Montana and it gets pretty cold outside so we'll be keeping her inside while we're trying to get her healed up and the temperatures are comfortable.

 

[TheCopperCoop]

Thanks everyone for weighing in, it's very reassuring to not feel alone in this.

Since the bleeding seems to have stopped on its own we're going to keep an eye on her and apply the antibiotic spray. I don't think it can be stitched, but I'm reading mixes messages on a loose wrap? I'm worried about a wrap sticking to the wound or irritating the edges, but perhaps there's a product or method of application that reduces that concern?

 

[MysteryChicken]

Thanks everyone for weighing in, it's very reassuring to not feel alone in this.

Since the bleeding seems to have stopped on its own we're going to keep an eye on her and apply the antibiotic spray. I don't think it can be stitched, but I'm reading mixes messages on a loose wrap? I'm worried about a wrap sticking to the wound or irritating the edges, but perhaps there's a product or method of application that reduces that concern?

Yes, no wrapping for that exact reason. Plus, it won't allow proper healing.

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

Thanks everyone for weighing in, it's very reassuring to not feel alone in this.

Since the bleeding seems to have stopped on its own we're going to keep an eye on her and apply the antibiotic spray. I don't think it can be stitched, but I'm reading mixes messages on a loose wrap? I'm worried about a wrap sticking to the wound or irritating the edges, but perhaps there's a product or method of application that reduces that concern?

Do not wrap it needs fresh air I would. Oy wrap if she is excessively picking at it with her foot. But you dont want to draw attention to it by wrap cause will most likley try and take it off.