Hen filleted open!

[MokiYoki]

Just curious but did you reattach the end of your thumb or where you trying to seal it with super glue? As that I don't advise. And as I've said the point isn't too seal it shut it's to hold the skin in place while she heals up. More compairable to stiches than a bandage.
I think you will find however that maximizing healing time (and also reducing the water loss from such a big hole) will be well worth any risk of stinging. Also the wound still needs to be flushed, sanitised, and moved into position which is all at the very least uncomfortable. Not to mention your hanging skin drying out is very painful in its self. If you really want to avoid all discomfort the bird would need to be put down or taken to a proper vet who can numb its pain and stitch it up.
But if she/he is doing this at home and is trying to save its life then she needs to set that skin back where it belongs as soon as its clean. Get some antibiotics for it, and keep it warm and hydrated at all times.

 

[21hens-incharge]

The thumb was not salvageable.

When I used the glue it was on a palm cut. Like deep paper cut type.

Either way this hen has a serious wound. I do hope she makes a good recovery.

 

[azygous]

The important steps to observe in wound care are clean with mild soap and water at least once a day, twice for a very serious wound and keep moist with an antibiotic ointment (no pain killer).

Keeping the hen separated is best due to the serious nature of the wound. I would also buy some Vertericyn spray since it helps with preventing infection and will enable tissue re-growth. (I'm using it right now on myself following skin cancer surgery on my hand where a large swatch of tissue was removed.)

No, on stitching or trying to close the wound. Best to leave it open to drain and prevent bacteria from being trapped in the wound. You're looking at a long healing process if four or five weeks. But chickens will surprise you and recover from the worst injuries. (See my article below on healing an injured chick)

Any broad spectrum antibiotic is good. It's a wise precaution as a wound of this size is likely to invite infection in spite of all you do. I use amoxycillin at 250mg once a day or split it into two doses and give morning and night.

 

[venymae]

I'd trim the feathers around wound, spray it our with saline or vetericyn, push it closed and apply antibiotic ointment or iodine ointment, wrap firmly in gauze and keep her in a warm, calm environment with access to quality food and clean water. An internal antibiotic would not go amiss, I would guess the chance of infection is pretty high. I'm usually not one to recommend precautionary antibiotics, but I kinda think this warrants one. I do believe you can get penicillin at your local farm store.

@ChickenCanoe

 

[venymae]

The thumb was not salvageable.

When I used the glue it was on a palm cut. Like deep paper cut type.

Either way this hen has a serious wound. I do hope she makes a good recovery.

Off topic but....my sister cut the fleshy end of her thumb off this last year, instead of tossing it she stuck it back on, and bandaged it up. It reattached and is good as new, except for the fact that she stuck it on upside down, so now her fingerprint is spliced!

 

[MokiYoki]

The important steps to observe in wound care are clean with mild soap and water at least once a day, twice for a very serious wound and keep moist with an antibiotic ointment (no pain killer).

Keeping the hen separated is best due to the serious nature of the wound. I would also buy some Vertericyn spray since it helps with preventing infection and will enable tissue re-growth. (I'm using it right now on myself following skin cancer surgery on my hand where a large swatch of tissue was removed.)

No, on stitching or trying to close the wound. Best to leave it open to drain and prevent bacteria from being trapped in the wound. You're looking at a long healing process if four or five weeks. But chickens will surprise you and recover from the worst injuries. (See my article below on healing an injured chick)

Any broad spectrum antibiotic is good. It's a wise precaution as a wound of this size is likely to invite infection in spite of all you do. I use amoxycillin at 250mg once a day or split it into two doses and give morning and night.

Yes to all of that. But Im still sticking by that just that you have "closed" a wound doesnt mean you have to stop the draining. For such a large hole I wouldnt dream of completly closing it up. My intention would to be to leave a hole at the top and many at the bottom and flush it daily with saline. But by closing it you can get the skin to rejoin. Otherwise she might as well cut it off. Some people use staril latex tubes that they put inside as a backup drain.
Here is an example on a dog. Its pretty graphic btw
https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/...x8Q6qViEAK0UCIe4JOZH2Zfxjxdh35wjgFVWlk9Hw7V6A

 

[21hens-incharge]

A drain certainly can help in this kind of wound.

I think it may be a good idea whichever closing method is used.

As to the thumb think quisenart. The equip that got me was turning at 3600 rpms. Freak accident really.

For the OP.... Yes keep it moist with the ointment. That is very important. I would try and close that flap once cleaned and maybe even use butterfly bandages if they would stick and not cause issues with cleaning it.

20 years ago I had a duck that was injured by a predator. She was missing most of a breast. I did stitch her up but her gash was literally stem to stern. Lots of antibiotic ointment and oral antibiotics as well as 6+ weeks in ICU but she lived.

I think your girl will survive. Just gonna need lots of care to get through it.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

The important steps to observe in wound care are clean with mild soap and water at least once a day, twice for a very serious wound and keep moist with an antibiotic ointment (no pain killer).
No, on stitching or trying to close the wound. Best to leave it open to drain and prevent bacteria from being trapped in the wound.
Any broad spectrum antibiotic is good. It's a wise precaution as a wound of this size is likely to invite infection in spite of all you do. I use amoxycillin at 250mg once a day or split it into two doses and give morning and night.

X2 Very much agree with @azygous Cleanse the wound very well, triple antibiotic ointment or vetericyn.
Personally, I would not close the wound - some people might put a stitch or 2 in (sterilized cotton thread) - but this would need to be carefully done - a lot of times closing a wound on chickens leads to infection. I would not glue period.

Penicillin G can be found at most Tractor Supplies in the refrigerated section. Dosage is 1/4ml once a day for 4-5 days. Amoxicillin would also work, if you have an exotic fish store that sells fish antibiotics (Fish Mox) you can use that too.

She seems alert in the photos - that's good. Provide her with vitamins in her water and some extra protein for a boost.

Keep us posted.

 

[mbphotos09]

Thank you all!! I've read all of your messages and they've helped so much. I feel more comfortable using bandages rather than superglue right now.

I had a class that I had to get to so we are just now getting the supplies needed. I felt horrible not being able to help her yet but I had no choice She is inside the house in a dog crate with food and water right now so I'll start cleaning and bandaging soon.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I hope she holds still for you.

I knew someone would have the dosage.
Wyrop!

Let us know how things progress with your little Polish.