Injured chick is weak and won't eat!

[lillyrosesmum]

A few days ago my 6 week old chick was scalped by a rooster. Her skull is hanging out. I keep it clean and covered in antibiotic ointment. She was eating OK for the first two days but now she won't eat or drink. She can barely stand. What should I do?

 

[Donna R Raybon]

oral or injectable antibiotic are probably a good idea as you probably have a systemic infection going on. Tubing her to insure she stays hydrated and fed if she won't eat on her own. I have used udder infusion for cow as oral antibiotic, just takes a couple of drops(literally)and that is way off label.

You can set her in a bowl, basket, or some other supportive nest to keep her upright. I sort of wrap loosely in a towel to keep warm.

I am not a fan of ointment due to it can seal out oxygen and provide anaerobic conditions for bad bugs. Antibiotic powder is better choice. I learned this the hard way by nearly loosing my leg to a staph infection.

I hope you can save your bird, but it don't sound promising.

 

[lillyrosesmum]

Sadly when I checked on her tonight she was gone. I have a 4 year old that is going to be pretty upset that her Chicaleta is gone. stupid roosters!

 

[Donna R Raybon]

So sorry to hear of her passing. Let your daughter grieve and remember the good times with her chicken. Be careful of anger towards rooster who did the injury. Either he saw victim as rival or threat and was doing his job.

There is probably not a child out there who grew up on a farm that did not learn about reality of life and death from a chicken. I know I did at about same age as your daughter. You did all you knew to do. When you have had time to think about it, write down all you learned from experience. I have quite a book written and it's pages are littered with dead critter failures and decorated with some miraculous successes. Live and learn.