Injured 4mo old chick- looks like it was scalped :(

[LilChickenMomma]

I have 14 chickens, 6 RIR's that are fully grown and in the main part of the coop. 6 BR's that are about 4 months old in a sectioned off area of the coop and 2 small BO's that are in another area. I tried moving the BR's with the RIR's not too long ago and it was scary so we keep them separate still.

We went to check on the girls yesterday at feeding time and one of the 4 month old BR's whole back of her head is all bloody. The best way to describe it is she looks like she was scalped. There are no peck marks or dents, we cant find any blood on any wire that would suggest she got her head stuck and then free. What could have happened?

I pulled her aside, held her for quite a while and set up an area to quarantine her with water and food. She's all barricaded off and safe. What can I do to nurse her back? Will she make it? What could have happened?

Any suggestions are appreciated! This is my first injury and issue whatsoever with my chickens.

 

[binza1979]

I had this happen. I isolated the chicken. Cleaned her head wound with saline and applied Neosporin. I fed her mashed up food and eggs. I had food and water available close by at all times. You will be amazed at just how fast she heals. Keep her warm. Keep her dry. Keep her quiet. We kept ours in the spare bathroom in the tub. With the door closed all the time, it got nice and warm in there. We just used towels as bedding and changed them frequently.

Good luck!

 

[binza1979]

How is she doing?

 

[LilChickenMomma]

She looked a lot better yesterday. I have the weakest stomach ever, so will need to convince my hubby to clean her head off a bit more! I still have her aside from all the other chickens and held her for a bit yesterday again. Thank you for your advice and for checking in

 

[binza1979]

I have a weak stomach too...I am slowing getting over it. My mother in law lives with us and helps me with the injuries because I am prone to vomiting when it gets too gross. I have come a long way though.

Good luck again. I am glad she is looking better