I have had 12 wk old pullets (3) mingling with the older hens (3) by day and separating them at night with good success for the past few days. Prior to that I had the pullets in a large wire dog kennel inside the run by day so everyone could get used to each other. I have one really aggressive alpha hen and she's the only one that did tried to peck any of them. If they stayed out of her way it wasn't a problem.
Until today.... I came home to find that one of the little ones had wedged herself inside the hole in a concrete block (I had their waterer resting on top of it). While she was stuck someone pecked all the feathers and flesh off the top of her head. It's a big area, bigger than a half dollar. I cleaned it, put a thick layer of antibiotic ointment (I know it's not meant for wounds like this but I was afraid of it drying out), and some gauze. Any other ideas? She' resting in a box right now.....wings are dropping, heavy breathing, doesn't look great.
Thanks to anyone who can help!
Until today.... I came home to find that one of the little ones had wedged herself inside the hole in a concrete block (I had their waterer resting on top of it). While she was stuck someone pecked all the feathers and flesh off the top of her head. It's a big area, bigger than a half dollar. I cleaned it, put a thick layer of antibiotic ointment (I know it's not meant for wounds like this but I was afraid of it drying out), and some gauze. Any other ideas? She' resting in a box right now.....wings are dropping, heavy breathing, doesn't look great.
Thanks to anyone who can help!
