Injured BO hen...possible hawk attack ?? What RX??

[mmtillman]

My lovely little BO hen...whom just began laying recently, has a raw place on her back....I found it this morning when I let them out this morning. She seems lethargic and listless...I didnt know how to treat it ....I put her in a pen by herself to protect her from the mean roosters. I used antibiotic spray on the sore area. Can you all tell me if I need to do more? I dont know what kind of meds to apply ?...it is possible that one of my mean roos did this to her?... If so ...just in case, I sent him to freezer camp this morning .
Any help would be appreciated ?? Thanks in advance...
PS I do have some of that powdered antibiotic that you add to water ...shall I give her that in her water?

 

[hinkjc]

yes, roos can do damage to hens backs and cause injuries, especially overzealous juvie boys. It sounds like you are doing fine with her. The spray will help. Since she is by herself, just keep an eye for any signs of infection and watch for flies after the wound.

 

[Opa]

The antibiotic spray is an excellent treatment. If you are concerned about flies I would suggest applying a heavy coat of petroleum jelly on the wound. It will block the flies from laying eggs and if much cheaper than any other ointment you could use.

 

[lildinkem]

I like OPA's idea of petroleum jelly, and your anti septic should help her out. Most likely not a hawk. But a mean Roo. I had this occur last week. And it was an over sexed younger cockerel, who quite doesn't have it down how to treat a lady. He tugged a hole on the neck of one of my girls. I brought my chicken in, and then to protect my other girls I isolated the young man for 3 days. And then re-introduced him out to the girls. So far, no more wounds created by this young man. The girl I have is still in the hospital room. It has scabbed over, and fallen off. She has healed all the way. I'll wait another week, and bring her back to the flock. Believe it or not, I seem some people here want to pick at the scabs of their birds. WHY? Who knows. It only takes longer to heal. So, like when you were a kid and listen to mom, don't pick at it, or it won't heal. I know that sounds stupid to say, but I can show you the thread. And this gal continues to pick at her poor birds scabs and complain that she is still treating the bird. POOR BIRD.

 

[mmtillman]

Thanks so much for all the input! I am keeping her isolated and also gave her some antibiotic in her water. Her wound was not just missing feathers...it was actually exposed muscle..the skin was gone.
I am using the spray and coating the wound with Bag Balm. She seems so listless and just sits in the corner....it is sad.