Help! My chicken is hurt really bad!

[michiganch]

I believe we have 2 white Cornish hens- a costumer of my dad gave them to us- and they are around a month old. My brother and I went to go check the coop this morning and saw only one of them walking around, we found the other one inside the coop covered in mud. When we took it out to see what's wrong, my hand came out covered in blood. Under it's wing is cut and it's ear is cut and bloody too. It's underside is completely void of feathers and the underside of its wings are naked too. It's limping and won't eat. I don't know what happened to our poor chicken but what could I do for it?

 

[michiganch]

Anyone??

 

[Sweet T]

First thing I do if I see a chicken bleeding, is separate it from the other chickens. A healthy chicken could injure the sick chicken further.

 

[Sweet T]

Do you think it was attacked by something?

 

[realsis]

Sounds like it was attacked. First thing to do is bring it in wash it up so you can get a better idea of the extent of its injuries. Its likely in shock. Keep it warm and comfortable.

 

[michiganch]

I think that the other chicken attacked her, we washed her and gave her some gel to stop any infections, she had a yellowish diarrhea and now she keeps shivering

 

[ten chicks]

I believe we have 2 white Cornish hens- a costumer of my dad gave them to us- and they are around a month old. My brother and I went to go check the coop this morning and saw only one of them walking around, we found the other one inside the coop covered in mud. When we took it out to see what's wrong, my hand came out covered in blood. Under it's wing is cut and it's ear is cut and bloody too. It's underside is completely void of feathers and the underside of its wings are naked too. It's limping and won't eat. I don't know what happened to our poor chicken but what could I do for it?

You have some predator that gained access to your coop. The only thing that will keep a predator out is hardware cloth. Secure your coop,because whatever it was,will be back.

Bring chicken inside,wash all wounds,apply antibiotic ointment(nothing ending in "caine"toxic to chickens). Keep her separated,so other chicken does not peck at her wounds. If you only have the 2 chickens,i would bring the other one in also,keep them in separate cages,but let them see each other. The reason i say this is,1 predator will return and 2 she will be scared,lonely by herself. Vetericyn is an excellent product for wound care. Clean these wounds several times a day,watch for infection. As for limp,feel leg,you are looking for a possible fracture of the bones. If bones are broken,you will have to splint leg,you can use popsicle sticks or any other similar item. Make sure there are no sharp edges on sticks,wrap stick to leg,not too tight,you don't want to cut off circulation. Leave splint on for 2 weeks. If leg is fine,you can soak leg in a epsom salt bath for 15-20 mins(helps for sprains sore muscles,but DO THIS after your chicken is stabilized,might have to wait 24 hrs - couple of days. Give her electrolytes for shock,she is in shock. Keep her warm. You have to get her to drink,otherwise she will become dehydrated. Try and entice her to eat with some of her favorite foods. You can purchase Metacam from a vet for pain relief,or give her baby aspirin(80mg) dosage is 25mg per lb of body weight. Crush baby aspirin,put in water or sprinkle over food.

 

[Eggcessive]

It does sound like something got into the coop--I'm not sure a month old chicken could do that much damage. A rat, weasel, a small raccoon, or a possum could have done that to a chick. I would get in ther and look for a small opening.

 

[smedly9921]

For sure that is not another chicken, Very rarely will the raccoon leave the chicken they eat everything but the legs. My guess is an opossum or something smaller. Find the hole and fix it now or face loosing your remaining chicken. As far as hurt chicken clean it up use ointment and keep it warm but it will be an uphill road for her.

 

[michiganch]

Thank you all for your advice