Hen presumed dead by hawk, returns two days later with injuries.

Two days ago I noticed my White Rock pullet was missing. I searched everywhere for her, and found no trace, not even a pile of feathers. I had seen a Red Shouldered hawk buzzing around the day before, so I assumed the hawk got her. I chalked it up to another unfortunate fact of free ranging.

Today, I was going out to clean up some candy wrappers that fell out of a garbage bag that the chickens were trying to eat. Lo and behold, there was our little Ruby! She was covered in dried blood but she was alive! I took her in and assessed her injuries, and found that she had two. One large one at the base of her wing, on the underside, and one at the tip of her wing. These are older than one day, as they're already scabbed over and beginning to heal. The large one appears mildly infected, very swollen, but doesn't smell foul so I'm hoping with cleaning and antibiotics that it'll be okay. She is eating and drinking just fine, luckily! If anyone has any advice on treating injuries older than two days, that'd be much appreciated!

I'm trying to piece together what on earth happened to her! Could the hawk had grabbed her by the wing and dropped her, not having enough grip? Would the shock then cause her to remain hidden for the next two days? She's hardly missing any feathers at all, and is covered in dirt.

I'm honestly surprised she's alive at all, but she's a tough little girl. She's survived through a dog attack and having her head pecked to pieces by other chickens. It's safe to say that she has more will to live than any of my other chickens. I really hope she makes it this time.

 

Lucky indeed

 

Update on Ruby!
She is doing much better, the swelling of her injury has gone down, it no longer feels hot, and it looks like it is healing! I think she will be ready to return to the flock in a couple days.