Injured chicken from dog attack

[Eldergoobler]

THANK YOU to all for the helpful info/moral support!!! We're keeping her inside (in a cozy box in the bathroom) and we're keeping her wounds uncovered/moist with neosporin and vetrycin. We're not sure about her tail...her tail feathers/back end are part of the flap issue. It looks like it might fall off? It's looser than the picture shows. I don't think we could cut it off...can't decide if we should drive a bit to a vet who will see her.

 

[MotherHen1234]

It looks fresh and clean! Great job!

 

[pennyJo1960]

do not cut any for now please vets will cost much do as you think

 

[Wyorp Rock]

The flap of skin may dry up and fall off, or may need to be removed at some point.
Keeping it clean is most important. Personally I would not cover it, letting it breathe is usually better, unless it must be covered to keep it clean. Trim back any feathers that are touching or getting in the wound to help keep it clean, you can do that with small scissors. The veterycin is very good to use, you can also use plain neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment on it. As long as there are no internal injuries, no infection sets in, and the vent is not damaged then there is a very good chance she will heal up, it will just take some time. Here is an article with pictures of the healing process in a pretty severe wound, which may help you in knowing what things will look like as you go along.
http://richie-cunningham.com/2012/04/11/chicken-wound-healing-process/

Absolutely agree with keeping it moist, which is why veterycin or neosporin is good, or even manuka honey. But keeping it moist doesn't necessarily mean covering it with a bandage. Every case is different, but bandaging material can actually cause problems with some wounds.

X2

 

[coach723]

I wasn't suggesting that you cut it off now, just that it may dry out and fall off or have to be done later. I think if that happens it will be obvious. It also may heal fine, seeing in pictures is not the same as seeing in person, so you are a far better judge. It actually looks pretty good right now, so keep it clean and give it some time.