Injured Hen Phoebe

[CourtneyChase]

I have a 5 month old hen that was put into the coop with my six other hens yesterday and came home to this (pictures). I have never had issues introducing chickens to each other, so long as they’re big enough, and mingle around the yard together often before doing so. Needless to say I am shocked. I washed her wounds and she seems ok, just tired, but am wondering if this is normal behavior?? They all get along outside when free ranging and she is bigger than other hens in my flock, but now I don’t want to add any others and let them get hurt again. so far she is bandaged and I’m giving her nutridrench, but I’m worried she is in pain. Any advice for blood loss, chicken introductions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[mrskenmore]

Poor Pheobe! She is most likely in shock after all of that!

How old are the six hens, what breeds and did you integrate her alone or did she integrate with a flock. If alone, that would be reason enough. If with a flock there could be several reasons. Are there multiple feeders, waters, roosts, nest boxes and areas that Pheobe could get out of harms way? Is there enough square footage? One thought that comes to mind is that she got cornered by a bully and they didn't let up. I have seen this and had this happen many times with integration.

Keep her separated in a quiet part of your house/basement/garage if possible, where she can rest and be comfortable. If she has wounds that are still bleeding you will want to address that first. It sounds like you did a good job assessing her. Here is a great article:

https://the-chicken-chick.com/how-to-care-for-injured-chicken-and/#:~:text=Wrapping the chicken loosely in,the injury scene to safety.&text=Using a clean towel, gauze,good idea when treating wounds.

Make sure she stays hydrated, the nutridrench is great, but if she is not able to drink on her own tonight give her some fluids, plain cool water will work via syringe. I would then let her relax and rest, keeping her warm in a crate with towels. Reassess in the morning depending on how she is looking.

I have done many integrations with various numbers, breeds and conditions. It always varies by personality, but I have had much success with the look don't touch method. I find the more chickens you integrate into an existing flock the smoother the transition. (I just integrated six into a flock of four and it went great.. I have done two into a flock of three and it was rough) If you ever see a distinct bully, you can isolate her until every one settles in across a few days then let her rejoin the gang. I hope Pheobe feels better soon!

https://the-chicken-chick.com/integrating-new-flock-members-playpen/#:~:text=The Playpen Method is simple,zone” for the new chickens.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have a 5 month old hen that was put into the coop with my six other hens yesterday and came home to this (pictures). I have never had issues introducing chickens to each other, so long as they’re big enough, and mingle around the yard together often before doing so. Needless to say I am shocked. I washed her wounds and she seems ok, just tired, but am wondering if this is normal behavior?? They all get along outside when free ranging and she is bigger than other hens in my flock, but now I don’t want to add any others and let them get hurt again. so far she is bandaged and I’m giving her nutridrench, but I’m worried she is in pain. Any advice for blood loss, chicken introductions would be greatly appreciated.

Was she the only introduction to the adults or were there other pullets?

It's normal for adult hens to corner and pick on one, especially if that's the only one. Hens are not nice. She got a beating didn't she.

Flush her wounds with saline or chlorhexidine. Trim the feathers around the wounds to help keep them out of ointment. Triple antibiotic ointment to the wounds will help keep them protected and moist. Bandaging and covering wounds is usually not necessary unless the bird is picking at herself.

Electrolytes for the first 24 hrs. See that she's eating/drinking well.

For introductions, see but don't touch can help. House pullets next to adults so they can see one another for a week or so. Then introduce, making sure there's plenty of space and some areas for pullets to hide and/or get out of sight of the adults.
Introducing a single pullet will be more difficult than several.
Did I say that hens aren't nice?

 

[mrskenmore]

How is Pheobe's recovery going? Any interest in food or water today?

 

[CourtneyChase]

Poor Pheobe! She is most likely in shock after all of that!

How old are the six hens, what breeds and did you integrate her alone or did she integrate with a flock. If alone, that would be reason enough. If with a flock there could be several reasons. Are there multiple feeders, waters, roosts, nest boxes and areas that Pheobe could get out of harms way? Is there enough square footage? One thought that comes to mind is that she got cornered by a bully and they didn't let up. I have seen this and had this happen many times with integration.

Keep her separated in a quiet part of your house/basement/garage if possible, where she can rest and be comfortable. If she has wounds that are still bleeding you will want to address that first. It sounds like you did a good job assessing her. Here is a great article:

https://the-chicken-chick.com/how-to-care-for-injured-chicken-and/#:~:text=Wrapping the chicken loosely in,the injury scene to safety.&text=Using a clean towel, gauze,good idea when treating wounds.

Make sure she stays hydrated, the nutridrench is great, but if she is not able to drink on her own tonight give her some fluids, plain cool water will work via syringe. I would then let her relax and rest, keeping her warm in a crate with towels. Reassess in the morning depending on how she is looking.

I have done many integrations with various numbers, breeds and conditions. It always varies by personality, but I have had much success with the look don't touch method. I find the more chickens you integrate into an existing flock the smoother the transition. (I just integrated six into a flock of four and it went great.. I have done two into a flock of three and it was rough) If you ever see a distinct bully, you can isolate her until every one settles in across a few days then let her rejoin the gang. I hope Pheobe feels better soon!

https://the-chicken-chick.com/integrating-new-flock-members-playpen/#:~:text=The Playpen Method is simple,zone” for the new chickens.

Thank you so much for the information and guidance!! So far she is doing great and still inside until she’s fully healed. Fingers are crossed infection stays away so she can join the rest of them soon (in a calmer, less violent way of course!). I did introduce her with only one other chicken, so I’m thinking that may have caused it. I won’t be doing that again!