Help! Coyote attacked my 4 month old OE Cockerel!

[FarmerChic]

Over the weekend coyotes (I think) attacked my smaller flock and killed two out of 5 birds. My OE roo was seriously injured. He has a hole in his neck/crop! When he drinks water it actually comes out his throat. I have called several vets in the area an no one tends to chickens. I would hate to put him to sleep if this can be fixed but I am not sure if crops can be stitched or if they heal on their own. We were away this weekend and I spent all day yesterday calling vets. He seems fine otherwise, he has a normal level of energy, is eating and drinking and even having normal bowel movements. This seems like a miracle to me after seeing the hole in his neck, but I feel it is too late to stitch because it has began to heal already. PLEASE HELP! ANY INFO IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!

 

[greymane]

Very sorry that you have to go through this. I don't know it I would mess with it at this point. I think right now he will either make it or not. It is amazing sometimes how tough they can be.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

Wow, it is amazing that he is doing as well as he is. It is the hole in his crop more than the hole in his skin that concerns me. I'm not sure if the crop will heal as fast as the outer skin. I found some information in a link about stitching the crop after helping relieve an impacted crop that might help:https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/169423/impacted-crop-surgery

I would also be concerned about preventing infection. We gave a hen PEN G shots of antibiotic after a hawk attack. This is what is generally recommended for skin lesions and can be purchased at most farm stores.

You may want to make another post in the emergencies section to get more responses.

 

[Kevin565]

. So sorry for your losses

 

[dreamer5577]

Hi && Welcome!!!

 

[FarmerChic]

Thank you, I will post in the emergency section

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

Keep the wound clean and watch to make sure he can eat and drink without difficulty. Do not suture the wound, it is too old already and would likely fester. It is very possible that it will heal well on it's own barring infection. Good luck.

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[FarmerChic]

Thank you all for your help

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio. So glad you joined. Good luck with your roo. I hope it turns out OK.