Injured Chick

[hamptoj]

I have just started to have some change chicks hatch and one of my other chickens got in the roost and pecked this poor babies neck. I don't know what to do for it? I tried to bandage the wound with neosporin but it made it so the baby couldn't bend its head to eat and drink. It's inside in a box and I have been holding it because that seems to keep it quiet, but now I'm noticing some small, clear ish bugs on it. None of my other chickens have any lice or mites. I have looked extensively. I bought some diatomaceous earth and put all over this chick and made a bath for it to try and kill whatever is on it. I don't know what else to do? I'll try to post pics of the injury. Please help.

 

[HeritageGoose13]

DE is not good, too dusty for a little chick. I would just bathe it in warm water.

Don't know about the injury- post a pic so we can see how bad it is.

 

[hamptoj]

 

[HeritageGoose13]

I would keep putting neosporin on it as needed. Make sure the other chicks aren't pecking it.

 

[hamptoj]

I tried bathing it and now I'm even more concerned about the bugs. There were quite a few and I don't know what they are. Tiny and straw to clear colored. How do I get rid of them and keep them away? I have not seen any on my other hens. I'm not super thrilled about using chemicals, especially on an injured baby. Ugh...this is so frustrating. Poor thing

 

[HeritageGoose13]

I don't know what that could be. Are they on the wound or all over its body?

 

[hamptoj]

All over! I rinsed it off in warm water like you recommended and I think I got most off, but I'll have too see if they go away in time.

 

[Emma Miriam]

Hi! I know your last post was a few days ago, how is your chick? As far as injuries go, the peck wound doesn't look TOO bad. I would keep putting neosporin on it, just make sure it's without pain killer as that isn't good for chickens. You could also try Vetericyn, which TSC and pet stores typically sell.

As for the bugs, that's odd! Was this chick out in the coop before you brought he in? Do you have any other chicks her age? Did you hatch her out of an incubator or use a broody hen? Just trying to get a feel for your set-up. I agree that DE is too dusty for little chicks. How about Manna Pro Poultry Protector? Liquid, safe, not a chemical. They sell it at TSC. You could either spray it right on her or make a bath to dip her in if it's really bad.

Even if you don't see these bugs on your other hens, I'd give the coop a nice deep cleaning to try to get rid of these bugs!

Good luck! Keep us updated.