Injured

[Hannah Dahlk]

My poor chickens were attacked by an opossum and one hens butt feathers are missing and looks like her butt is all swollen, she won’t even let me pick her up . I’m sure those poor girls are traumatized but want to know what would help her ?

 

[GracePoultry]

vetericyn plus is magic! It will help heal the skin and grow back feathers quickly! It's also possible that she has become egg bound from the stress of the attack. If she doesn't have any cuts or abrasions on her butt soak her for around 15 minutes In a warm epsom salt bath. be sure her vent is in the water! this can help her lay an egg.

 

[CHlCKEN]

Can you post a photo of her rear and show us the part that appears to be swollen? Just try to sneak up behind her and snap a pic, no need to pick her up yet.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

My poor chickens were attacked by an opossum and one hens butt feathers are missing and looks like her butt is all swollen, she won’t even let me pick her up . I’m sure those poor girls are traumatized but want to know what would help her ?

Welcome To BYC

I'm sorry to hear your flock was attacked.

Can you please post clear, well lit photos of the injuries?

General care for wounds is to clean/flush well with saline, Chlorhexidine or Povidone Iodine.

Trim feathers away from open wound or deep gashes to help them stay cleaner and they will be easier to see.

Once the wound(s) have been thoroughly cleaned, apply Triple Antibiotic Ointment to the wound(s).

Work the hen through shock. Place her in a quiet area and get some sugar water (1tsp sugar to 1 cup water) or electrolytes into her. It's important to get some fluids into her, so hold a cup up to her beak and see if she will drink for you. If she's lethargic, then give her a drop of fluid at a time by syringe.

Once we get photos and a better idea of the extent of injuries, we may be able to offer better suggestions or even change care instructions.