Injured Hen - HELP - Newbie chicken farmer and don't know what to do!!

[Navymanswife]

I have 6 leghorn hens and this is my first experience with them. I was asked to bring a rooster in (from rescue) and so, last night, I introduced him to the flock. Everything seemed ok until I went out this morning. He (or someone) attacked my largest leghorn by pecking her hind leg and pulling feathers from her. She was bleeding and raw. I cleaned it up with warm water but it's raw and defeathered plus she is "crying" like she is in pain. It's Sunday and my vet is closed - I don't know what to do!!! I welcome any and all suggestions! I have separated her from the flock and she is in a safe place with food, water and rest. She seems to be getting better but I want to treat the area and help to make it less painful for her....

 

[Mehjr10]

Neosporin or three in one ointment, no pain killer, or blue kote wound kote, this keeps the others from picking on the raw area.

clean it good and coat. They heal rather quickly.

 

[cafarmgirl]

X 2.

And watch the new rooster carefully in case he is the instigator. It is usually best to introduce new birds very slowly, keeping them separated by a fence until everybody has gotten used to each other. It can really shake things up when a single new bird is just put in with an existing flock, fights are almost a guarantee. Actually you are best off to keep new birds completely away from your flock for 30 days so you can watch for signs of any illness or disease.

 

[RedIII]

I agree with both the responses above. Separate that rooster to where he and the hens can see each other, but not to where he can get at them. And it sounds like you are doing a good job so far of taking care of the hen with the bad leg. Just make sure it stays clean.

 

[Navymanswife]

Thank you sooooo much! I will head to tractor supply now and get the blue kote...