How do I treat a skittish hen with a cut near her eye?

[Flixflaxnoob]

I just noticed a gash right under her ear. Of course my first time dealing with an injured bird it's my most skittish hen. She was acting normal and the cut is not actively bleeding. I thought it was stained from blackberries at first. I think the only way I'll be able to handle her is at night and wrapped in a towel. But once I get a handle on her, I'm not sure how best to apply verericyn when the cut is so close to the eye. Will there be less thrashing if I do it at night?

 

[2 chiks n a roo]

Wrap her in a towel, kneel on the floor and tuck her between your knees. I used my dominant hand with a corner of the towel to lightly cover the head, you should be able to apply ointment with another edge of the towel by moving upwards.
Best thing is to get someone to help you.
Another method I used is in the towel, turn her on her back to relax her and get someone to apply the cream in a gentle upwards motion while you hold her against your chest. Your heartbeat will sooth her. Day or night doesn't matter, just somewhere quiet

 

[orelsi]

What I do is get someone to hold her legs and put her on her side, so I can work with both hands. You can wrap her in a towel for double security. Hold her head down. Cover the eye with fabric (wrap it gently around the head if you don't have helpers) and leave the wound uncovered at the end of the fabric. Apply medicine with your other hand. Wipe any excess. During the whole time keep her eye covered. The fabric will protect it and soak stray drops.