- Mar 4, 2014
- 10
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A hawk attacked my buff orpington about 4:30 yesterday afternoon. I discovered her being pestered by the dog at 4:40 and noticed blood on the back of her head. When she came out of the bushes, I notice a HUGE open wound on her left breast, and she disappeared for about 1.5 hours while I went looking for the other free ranger. I found her- still alive - and she had enough wits about her to escape me when I attempted to grab her. I brought her inside last night, expecting her to die, but she was still alert and alive this morning. She's pooped, eaten, drank, and fights me when I try to pick her up. I flushed the wound with warm diluted iodine and trimmed the feathers poking the wound. I made a little baby onesie into a cover so her wing feathers would stay out of it.
So, is blue kote safe for something like this? What else should I do with the wound? There's no skin flap really to even sew up if I wanted to attempt that. The fat and muscle are currently exposed. I'm not looking to spend gobs of money on her since chickens are easily replaceable this time of year, but she also doesn't seem to be on death's door. I want to keep her alive if she's still acting normal. Ways to keep infection at bay? What should I do to create a sick bay that will keep her happy (and my house not smelly) while healing?
*WARNING GRAPHIC PICS*

I have her on her side prior to flushing. It bled just a little bit when I tried to apply some antibiotic ointment.

So, is blue kote safe for something like this? What else should I do with the wound? There's no skin flap really to even sew up if I wanted to attempt that. The fat and muscle are currently exposed. I'm not looking to spend gobs of money on her since chickens are easily replaceable this time of year, but she also doesn't seem to be on death's door. I want to keep her alive if she's still acting normal. Ways to keep infection at bay? What should I do to create a sick bay that will keep her happy (and my house not smelly) while healing?
*WARNING GRAPHIC PICS*
I have her on her side prior to flushing. It bled just a little bit when I tried to apply some antibiotic ointment.