Hen attacked in early am *Warning Graphic Photos/Description of bites

[3SpeckledSussex]

One of my hens (I only have two) was bitten and dragged from the coop at 2:30am. She has three sets of bite marks on her neck and her right eye and left ear hole are injured. I thought maybe skunk? The vet said the bite marks are so small, so maybe mink? What are your thoughts or experiences with attacks? I've been lucky not to have any predator attacks for three years, but now that they know the hens are there I'm afraid they will keep coming back. My dog is the one who woke us up and I believe saved her as the predator got scared off.





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[Hopethehen]

Ooh! Maybe try washing them, to prevent an infection. If you can, keep your chickens inside for a little while. Or upgrade your coop. How did they get her? Was the door open, they brake the chicken wire, or what?

 

[3SpeckledSussex]

It was my fault as I left the door open! I'm flushing wounds with saline solution and she is on pain meds and antibiotics so I hope she will recover, though hearing and sight maybe damaged on the right side. I'm currently having them sleep inside until I know what I'm dealing with.

 

[centrarchid]

That looks very much like a raccoon issue.

Also consider applying Blue Kote to wound area. Being liberal in its application. Crushing damage likely at least as severe as wholes in skin. I suggest getting antibiotics into blood stream as well. Injection is likely to be best route. Do not wait and see a couple days for that treatment regimen to begin. Do not be worried if she does not eat for a couple of days.

 

[3SpeckledSussex]

Thank you! She is not wanting to eat but she is drinking. The wounds are looking much better today but her eye is still a little cloudy and she keeps it closed most of the time. We are doing oral antibiotics for 7 days and eye drop antibiotics.

 

[Sara Ranch]

*hugs* Hoping she makes a full recovery!