Injured chicken

[BellaBelinski]

Hi Chicken Lovers! Today when I got home (at ~4:30 pm) 2 of my chickens were missing. I found one at my neighbors limping her way home. She was obviously in some sort of struggle because her leg is injured and a patch of feathers on her underbelly is missing. Her skin is very red (I don't know what underbelly skin looks like, but it's cherry red). I crated her right away in her coop so she could be with her sister throughout the night. I was wondering if there was anything that I need to do to take care of the skin with the missing feathers? I'm going to keep her crated for quite a few days so her leg could heal. Also, should I bring her inside at night or leave her outside in her coop? It gets to be around 45f at night. Thank you all for your help.

 

[cntrywmnkw]

As a precaution, I'd wash injured area with a mild solution of epsom salt & warm water, just to sooth the area & help against any infection. Also keep your baby in a warm safe area, with low lights so she can rest, make sure she has plenty of food, water & treats & keep an eye on her.

 

[BellaBelinski]

Thank you for the advice. I will get some epsom salt today. I'm also going to pick up some vitamins for her. Other posters have said that it helps the healing process. I was contemplating whether or not to bring her inside or leave her crated in her coop so she could be with her sister. I worry about separating them because they are always together. It's just the two of them in that coop. I do have a few ceramic heat lamps. Perhaps I could put the 60 watt in there to keep her warm, especially at night. She's doing pretty well overall. She ate and is drinking water. Does this sound like a good plan, or would you still bring her inside?

 

[cntrywmnkw]

As long as she's not being picked on & has a warm place to rest, she should be ok.

 

[BellaBelinski]

She's in a small dog carrier inside the coop with a 15 W bulb. She seems to be pretty content. I bought some vitamins which I'm giving to her in her water (along with the proper dosing of aspirin). The redness on her belly is getting better already, but I bought some epsom salt if it doesn't continue to improve. I know it's more of a preventative rather than a cure, but I didn't want to put her through any more stress if I didn't have to. Thanks again for you very appreciated advice.