Injury or attack?

[April Barta]

We came home from being gone a few hours. Its snowing for the first time since my chickens went to the coop. My husband was going out to close up the run since there was no point leaving it open since free range wasn’t happening with all the white stuff! One of my leghorns came out to greet him and was bloody all over her neck but acting normal. One of the other girls pecked at her curiously so he scooped her up to look at her. I panicked (of course). Wrapped her up in a towel and got a warm washcloth and started cleaning her up. I found where blood had coagulated near her neck. I didn’t want to pick at it to see if it was a broken pin feather or if it was a bite etc. So here are my questions:

1. Was she attacked? No one else is hurt and we can’t find blood or feathers anywhere.
2. Should I clean it more to see what caused the injury or let her heal up first?
3. How long should I keep her separated? Will I need to integrate her slowly when returning her?

Thanks for your help!

 

[micstrachan]

I can't see the injury, but I do see the bloody feathers. She may have scratched/caught herself on a sharp edge like wire. Can you part the feathers and take another picture so we can see what is going on?

 

[rusty acres]

I would gently clean it more to help you figure out what the cause was. You can then apply some antibiotic ointment. Also, chickens are attracted to red, so having some Blu Kote on hand is a good idea, as that will serve as an antimicrobial and also mask any wounds from further pecking (warning- it temporarily stains purple). If the weather is cold, be careful about getting her wet if she's outside. Hope your girl is ok!

 

[Boonie Stomper]

if there are breaks in the skin then you'll need to clean and disinfect the wound.
if not... perhaps she got a mouse or vole that bled as it was eaten?

 

[April Barta]

Okay, I’ll go check on her now and see if I can clean it better and take more photos. She’s separated now. In a large dog kennel inside and cozy. I need to get blue kote? I’m sure I can find it at my local farm store?

 

[Boonie Stomper]

blue food dye like for Easter egg coloring on the feathers would deter pecking and antibiotic ointment like in first aid kits can be used to protect the skin

 

[April Barta]

We used a toothepick and tried to break up the clotted blood and comb through the feathers. Lots of warm compress to soften the blood to break off. We are not seeing any broken skin. I’m thinking a broken pin feather but don’t know how she got it. Here are some more pics. She was getting pretty uncomfortable so we decided to stop and let her rest. Been a crazy day for her!

 

[April Barta]

Here is today. Dried nicely. So some blue kote and... let her go back to the flock today?

 

[Chelsa'sChicks]

I would cover the wound after cleaning and take her away with another hen from the flock. Going back will be easier for her with a friend and she won't be alone. Chickens are social creatures.

 

[April Barta]

Really?? I never thought about taking another one out with the injured one.