Hawk attack! How to treat wound?

[izzyrose]

My hen was just attacked by a hawk. She has a large gash in her back. I’ve sprayed the area with vetericyn plus. What else can I do? Any more advice on cleaning the wound?


This is my first time dealing with an attack. Thank you!!

 

[GodLovesU]

Is she isolated from the other chickens? If you have any blu-kite or silver honey those would be good for the wound. If any feathers are getting stuck in the wound, cutting them away will help. How was she attacked?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

You've done well with it so far. I would keep it coated with a triple antibiotic ointment like Neosporin Original, that does not have pain reliever in it. Because it looks deep I'll ask @Eggcessive to take a look, she may have more wisdom for you.

 

[Eggcessive]

If she is in shock offer water with sugar 1 tsp per cup up to her beak. How is she? Is she able to stand? I would use saline or a wound spray such as Vetericyn to clean the wound. Hibiclens or chlorhexidene is also good.Then apply plain Neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment twice day. BluKote is not for deep wounds. Do not cover the wound. Keep her separated, and a wire dog crate with food and water on a clean towel or puppy pad works well. Let us know how she is doing.

 

[izzyrose]

Thank you all for the advice!! I was able to found a vet in my area that sees chickens. They cleaned the wound and gave her sutures. She is going to be okay!!

She’s going to be isolated indoors until she heals more. I really appreciate the advice on these forums

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Wow, where on this blue planet are you that you have an avian vet near you - and one that sees chickens, no less!

 

[izzyrose]

Wow, where on this blue planet are you that you have an avian vet near you - and one that sees chickens, no less!

Stayton, Oregon. I called 10 vets before finding them and I’m grateful, they did a great job!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

You can put that in your profile, then it's always there. I wish everybody would do that. It really helps us to help people in an emergency. You don't have to be terribly specific. Mine just says SE Missouri.

 

[izzyrose]

You can put that in your profile, then it's always there. I wish everybody would do that. It really helps us to help people in an emergency. You don't have to be terribly specific. Mine just says SE Missouri.

Will do!