Help!! Hen attacked by dog!!

[hennychick]

One of my little ladies was attacked by a friend's dog today. I was in the house and didn't see it happen. But when I found her she was hiding under a bush. At first glance it was obvious that she had lost all her tail feathers and as I held her more feathers came out. As I looked her over I found a gash about 1 1/2" long, there was some blood but it wasn't bleeding. She was also having some difficulty standing on one of her feet. Ugh! I separated her from the rest of the group. Just wondering what else I can be doing for her! Help!!!

 

[Araucana16]

Would you mind showing us a photo? Separating her was probably a good call, don't put her back until she's pretty well healed up.

In general, clean the cuts, make sure she is hydrated and fed, and you have to evaluate whether her staying alive is worth it. Even if it's the hard thing to do, you may have to end her life...

 

[EggDropSoup]

Dog bites can cause nasty infections, so wash the wound gently with warm, soapy water (don't use peroxide--it impedes the healing process) and put Neosporin (the kind WITHOUT pain relief) on it. If she's going to be outside, make sure the flies aren't getting to the wound. There's a goo you can buy at the feed store that is for keeping flies from wounds, though I can't remember offhand what it's called. Also make sure that she is drinking and eating, as trauma like a dog attack can cause shock. When my hens were attacked by a dog (albeit more seriously than yours) they were in such shock that they didn't stand up for a few days (!!). Your girl just needs a little TLC and time, it sounds like. Pet her and reassure her that her tail will grow back!

 

[hennychick]

I can try to post a picture tomorrow. She is sleeping now.
I am afraid that morning will find her in worse condition. The last thing I want to do is keep her around selfishly if she is in bad shape.
What should I clean the wound with??

 

[hennychick]

Oh Thank you for all the info!! This is the first injury I have had like this with one of my girls!
I will try all of the above suggestions!

 

[EggDropSoup]

Hey--

It really doesn't sound like she's in that bad of shape! Hens are very, very resilient. Two of mine were basically MAULED by a dog. Most of the skin was stripped from their backs down to the muscle. I moved them inside and gave them antibiotics, fluids, and lots and lots of TLC. It took about a week for them to really start healing, but now you'd never, ever know they'd been attacked. All of their feathers even grew back! Take heart. If you have a spare bathroom or something where you can keep your girl in a dog crate, that would be ideal.

 

[hennychick]

Thanks for the encouragement! Going to check on her now. We have a bunny hutch in our old barn that wasn't being used so that's where she is right now but if flies are an issue I may bring her into the garage. (Hubby doesn't share my passion of chickens and probably won't appreciate her in the house) I appreciate all your input, I will keep you posted

 

[Sjisty]

I have had chickens attacked by the neighbor's dogs and also a few hawk attacks. Here's what I do -

I fill the sink full of warm water with Betadine, mixed to about the color of weak tea. I put the chicken in the bath, supporting her/him with my arm. They usually relax and aren't afraid of the water. That way the Betadine gets to the wounds you see plus the ones you don't see under all the fluff and feathers. Then, of course, dry her well. I wrap them in a towel for a minute or two and then put them under a lamp in a crate/cage. I usually do this twice - the day of the injury and a couple of days later.

Leave food and water for them, but don't be surprised if they don't eat for a couple of days. Try some egg, mealworms, a little meat, or anything with high protein. It will help them heal faster.

I don't bandage or put any sticky ointments on the wounds. In my experience, any ointment makes the feathers stick to the wound and it seems to me that that would hurt more then help. Flies on open wounds are a problem. In my case, I keep the bird in the house until a good scab forms over the wounds.

Good luck!

 

[hennychick]

Thank you for your info! I will try the bath.
Cleaned her up with some soapy water early this morning.
She seems to be doing okay. Still not steady on her feet though.

 

[Sjisty]

How is your hen doing?