Hen with open wound, possibly from rooster...

[lizrndiver]

Today when I went to collect eggs, one of hens was in the nest box. When I catch them in the next I take the opportunity to do a once over on my girls.

I usually feel their crop, check for mites etc.

As I start to pet this hen, I noticed an area of feather missing. It is on the left side of her back where the feather can get pulled off by the roo mating them.

However I noticed the area looked really dark. On closer inspection it is obvious that the skin has been torn back and the darkness is the scabbed over wound.

I can see the skin edges, the are dried and curled. Are wound does not appear infected. It is dry, scabbed with no oozing, pus, or insects (maggots).

She is a 1 year old Buff Sussex and she is eating, drinking , and possibly laying (I'll know in a bit).

How should I treat this? If I clean it will it just re-open the wound? Should I get her some antibiotics? If it were fresh, it would have needed to be sewn together, but I think that is not an option now since the skin edges are so dried out.

Could the roo just have gotten her too deeply with his nails while mating?

Help!!!

Thanks,

Liz

 

[chickensioux]

If it has scabbed over, it will probably be alright. Just keep an eye on it. You can also put some iodine/water on it to clean it. If you are concerned, you can purchase the chicken saddles for her to wear so the roo doesn't make it worse or break it back open. It does sound like roo damage to me.