Help, chicken attacked by dog.

[canalcolt]

I showed the picture to my sis-in law who thinks I’m delaying the inevitable. She used to work for a vet. She said there is no way for the skin to grow back. Has anyone had a wound like this heal? She said an internal infection will kill her. Should i try an antibiotic? I really want to save her but i don’t want her to suffer.

vetericyn. And u should get electrolytes

 

[mar]

vetericyn. And u should get electrolytes

I am doing both of those right now. I’m just worried that they won’t be enough. How do you know. Do you really think that the skin will heal.

 

[besorto]

It'll heal. I had a hen get her whole rump bitten off by a fox, she was in way worse shape. Now,she's peachy! Don't give up!

 

[besorto]

Skin most definitely grows back, and her feathers may or may not grow back in as well. She just might need a little scarf for the cold and so her coop mates don't peck at the bald spot

 

[mar]

Skin most definitely grows back, and her feathers may or may not grow back in as well. She just might need a little scarf for the cold and so her coop mates don't peck at the bald spot

Thanks. I'm just trying to stay positive. Do you know how long it takes for the skin to grow back? Is there anything that I should watch for? I've tried not to bug the area to much because of how raw it is. But i'm worried that some of the feathers are stuck to the tissue. Should I use saline and try to get the feathers off or leave them?

 

[mar]

Here is an updated picture. It looks like the skin or tissue is starting to heal. But the feathers are now stuck. It scares me to try to remove them. Can i do that? I think i May have to trim some feathers but i would like to wait for more healing before i trim anymore. What do you think?

 

[micstrachan]

I would say yes to trimming feathers. Also, I have seen some AMAZING recoveries from predator attacks on these forums by using manuka honey. It is important to keep the wound clean and moist. Also, I would not force water unless you k ow exactly what you are doing, as you could aspirate her. She might be receptive to sipping from a little cup. Keep us posted!

 

[Sassysouth]

Give her some Salmon and make sure she has light during the day so she doesn’t think it is dark all the time. Not sure if you kept the lid on the tote or not.

 

[mar]

I would say yes to trimming feathers. Also, I have seen some AMAZING recoveries from predator attacks on these forums by using manuka honey. It is important to keep the wound clean and moist. Also, I would not force water unless you k ow exactly what you are doing, as you could aspirate her. She might be receptive to sipping from a little cup. Keep us posted!

I’ll check into that. I have been using a syringe with the water just to the side of her beak. She is drinking good. I’ve made a gruel with chicken feed and water and she is slowly eating. I’ve been feeding her about 3 tsp. Every two hours. But i won’t be able to continue when i work during the week. I hope she’ll be feeling well enough to eat what I’ve left for her during the day.

 

[mar]

Give her some Salmon and make sure she has light during the day so she doesn’t think it is dark all the time. Not sure if you kept the lid on the tote or not.

I have a light on during the day and then a red bulb on at night in case she tries to eat or drink at night. But i don’t know if she will. She is walking fine but is still not very strong and stumbles a bit.