Hawk Attack!

[Eliza]

Last night, chickens were out foreging before sunset, and I heard strange calls. Ran to investigate and found a Cooper's Hawk on the ground with its wings fanned hiding one of my buff orpington girls. I chased it away, and picked up the chicken. She had some blood on the side of her head where some of the red comb/wattle was pulled away from the body. Not much blood. I cleaned it off and put triple antibiotic ointment on it. She appears fine. What else should I do? Hen is eating and drinking.

 

[rancher hicks]

I would quarantine her for her safety sake so others won't peck at her wound. As long as she's eating and drinking and pooping she should heal fine. If you thing she might need stitches you could see a Vet or tape the wound closed w/ butterfly spint bandages. Pics are always helpful.

All the best
Rancher

ps: Poultry owner should always plan on haveing to quarantine and hanve an area ready. Just another word for Chicken Hospital.

 

[maplesky7]

blue kote seems to be a chicken staple for wounds

 

[karen71]

Yes quarantine her - I had a silkie attacked she was pretty bad - I brought her in and put her in a dog crate - get some poly vitamins for the water
lots of protein and keep an eye on her - they heal amazingly fast . some like to put blucote on the wound - I warn you it stains everything purple ,

 

[dawg53]

I agree with that she should be seperated from the others. Triple antibiotic is excellent for wounds such as this. Give her some scrambled eggs for protein and watch her closely. I had this happen to a rooster years ago and he contracted fowl pox from the hawk.

 

[karma]

My big giant white bantam was attacked right in front of my eyes a couple months ago by a red tail. I had thrown scratch outside in the open and she was eating when attacked. I scared the hawk off but not after she skined the chest of my bantam. Luckily it wasn't during fly season and she healed right up. I have since heard that white chickens get attacked by hawks more often. I now only throw scratch under cover.

 

[eastbaychicks]

You can buy sutures at surgical supply stores. I'd do that before I used a band aid. She may eat it. Good luck!

 

[Eliza]

Hen is doing well. enjoyed the dog crate, made a nest an laid an egg. eating, drinking and does not appear in pain at all. The skin is becoming wrinkly and dead. Should I just leave it alone? Fowl Pox? ARRRRGH. I've left all the girls in their covered yard and coop, whilest the hawks soar overhead mobbed by crows...

 

[dawg53]

Yes,leave the dead skin alone, it'll fall off on it's own. Continue putting triple antibiotic on it and keep monitoring her. Keep her seperated til she heals, you dont want the others picking on the wound.