Hole in hens head

[Reggiesflock]

Hi there, my sweet Rhode Island hen was attacked by a raccoon a few weeks ago, she has healed quite well but we are noticing she may be blind in one eye and the scab that was right above that eye has now fallen off revealing a hole in her head. The hole seems a little deep but it appears dry and clean, so possibly it is healed. Just curious of anyone has experienced this and the blindness. Maybe, hopefully they are temporary? Should I be concerned about anything? I have attached two pictures, one with the hole and the other her blinded eye.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Welcome To BYC

I'm sorry about your hen.

I agree, it does look like she has lost sight in the eye. More than likely this is permanent.

As for the puncture wound, it does look to be healing. If it's dry and clean, no pus, no odors, then I'd continue to care for her like you have been doing. Wounds heal from the inside out, so time will tell if this closes up, it probably will.

I'll tag in a couple of other to offer their suggestions as well.
@Eggcessive @coach723

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry about your hen. I agree with Wyorp Rock that she is blind, but after having a hen with sight in only one eye, they can do well in a familiar environment. I would clean the area gently, and make sure that it is healing with nothing getting caught in the hole. The tissue should eventually fill in.

 

[Reggiesflock]

Sorry about your hen. I agree with Wyorp Rock that she is blind, but after having a hen with sight in only one eye, they can do well in a familiar environment. I would clean the area gently, and make sure that it is healing with nothing getting caught in the hole. The tissue should eventually fill in.

Appreciate your answer!

 

[Reggiesflock]

Welcome To BYC

I'm sorry about your hen.

I agree, it does look like she has lost sight in the eye. More than likely this is permanent.

As for the puncture wound, it does look to be healing. If it's dry and clean, no pus, no odors, then I'd continue to care for her like you have been doing. Wounds heal from the inside out, so time will tell if this closes up, it probably will.

I'll tag in a couple of other to offer their suggestions as well.
@Eggcessive @coach723

Thank you, I'll definitely keep that area cleaned.

 

[SomeChookLover]

Very sorry to hear about that, it’s always stressful when a chook is injured.

Most of my advice has already been given by the other amazing people on this thread, but I was wondering how deep the hole is?
Also has she been behaving normally?
It could be worth considering whether she got brain damage from this injury, just given where it is on her.
Do keep an eye on how well she’s eating, as her vision could impair that.
Also I found when one of my hens went blind being able to hear the pellets drop into the bowl and my voice helped her out a lot when getting food (though she was worse than this and with some other conditions)
Either way it sounds like she’s very lucky to have you!

 

[Reggiesflock]

Very sorry to hear about that, it’s always stressful when a chook is injured.

Most of my advice has already been given by the other amazing people on this thread, but I was wondering how deep the hole is?
Also has she been behaving normally?
It could be worth considering whether she got brain damage from this injury, just given where it is on her.
Do keep an eye on how well she’s eating, as her vision could impair that.
Also I found when one of my hens went blind being able to hear the pellets drop into the bowl and my voice helped her out a lot when getting food (though she was worse than this and with some other conditions)
Either way it sounds like she’s very lucky to have you!

She has been acting normal, thank goodness! And yes, eating was an issue in the beginning, so I made sure she was fed separately for a few weeks. She's holding her own now, even with the other flock, they make sure she knows she's not welcome by chasing her off. That's the safest part of it all, she is lonley and usually stays far away from the others but the others don't peck at her anymore. She's gotten really good at knowing the sound of my voice and comes to me when called, in sure she appreciates when we come to visit with her and give her special treats away from the flock. Even my kiddos are giving her extra love. I truly hope after some time, the flock accepts her. Thanks for you comment.

 

[SomeChookLover]

She has been acting normal, thank goodness! And yes, eating was an issue in the beginning, so I made sure she was fed separately for a few weeks. She's holding her own now, even with the other flock, they make sure she knows she's not welcome by chasing her off. That's the safest part of it all, she is lonley and usually stays far away from the others but the others don't peck at her anymore. She's gotten really good at knowing the sound of my voice and comes to me when called, in sure she appreciates when we come to visit with her and give her special treats away from the flock. Even my kiddos are giving her extra love. I truly hope after some time, the flock accepts her. Thanks for you comment.

That’s very good to hear! I don’t think you’ll have much to worry about if she’s doing that well.

 

[WthrLady]

Don't worry about the blindness.
Both my roos are blind in one eye. Both are still just as amorous, just as protective and aware of their surroundings as ever. One was born that way and doesn't know any different, the other was injury. It's funny, we do catch them doing sky patrol as a team often. They face each other (both blind in the same eye) so the two of them can work together to watch the whole area they're patrolling.