How to get chicken to eat after traumatic injury

[Nicky S]

We came home last night to find one of our girls had injured her head badly. Fortunately we were able to get her straight to the vet and they gave her fluids, antibiotic, eye drops and pain meds. She came home with us and she is inside and receiving the necessary care. We reviewed the camera footage and what happened was the ‘chicknic table’ was a little broken and she somehow got her foot stuck, fell off the table and managed to cut her head badly on the underside (where the wire mesh had come out), and she was there dangling without moving for around 30 minutes before breaking free suddenly. I don’t know how she didn’t suffocate like that, I feel dreadful. It seems like it would be impossible to fall like that, but chickens I guess. Anyhow she’s not looking too bad but I’m guessing she’s traumatized - she gets up to poop and move around a bit, the wounds are less oozy and only one eye is shut today, but she does not want to eat or drink (I’m offering favorite treats). I can get a little water in by putting drops on her beak but that’s all. Because of her head wounds I’m rather anxious about holding her to open her beak and put food in. Any suggestions? I’ll speak to the vet again today but was wondering if there are any tips. And yes, that table has been thrown out.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Try offering her some sugar water to help her deal with the shock. Add 1 tsp. Sugar, a pinch each of salt and baking soda to 1 cup warm water. Stir or shake to dissolve. Hold some up to her beak in a small cup. If she won't drink, dip your finger in it and put a drop on the crease of her beak. Don't get any in her nostrils (nares). She should swallow. Continue til she refuses by shaking her head.

Also add water to her normal feed to make a mush. Some chickens regard this as a treat, and it will help hydrate her.

 

[Nicky S]

Try offering her some sugar water to help her deal with the shock. Add 1 tsp. Sugar, a pinch each of salt and baking soda to 1 cup warm water. Stir or shake to dissolve. Hold some up to her beak in a small cup. If she won't drink, dip your finger in it and put a drop on the crease of her beak. Don't get any in her nostrils (nares). She should swallow. Continue til she refuses by shaking her head.

Also add water to her normal feed to make a mush. Some chickens regard this as a treat, and it will help hydrate her.

Ok thanks - she pulls her head away when I go near her with anything , but I’ll try with the crease of her beak.