Is there any medicine I can give an inured pullet to calm her while I care for her?

[Lobzi]

I had a pullet that was scalped by a roo and now Im trying to care for her. The problem is she is scared to death of me and of course the roo. She is upset when I hold her and upset if I set her down, even in safe areas away from the roo. I need to calm her and perhaps even sedate her while she heals. Is there any advice out there for me any my care of her?
Getting rid of the roo is not an option so I must just be careful to keep the two separated.

 

[NovaAman]

Well, no, you can not sedate a chicken unless your aim is to kill the chicken. Some one needs to hold her while you treat her. Clean up the scalped area, treat with caine free antibiotic ointment, put her in a dog/cat carrier for a few days. She'll settle down. You won't believe how fast she'll get over it. You may need to bluekote the injury to keep the other chickens away from her. Poor girl.

About the roo... if he's scalping your hen... he's not a good rooster. I hope it was an isolated incident, but... I have had 9 roosters, and none of them have EVER scalped any of my pullets.

 

[Lobzi]

Chickie, my pet roo is the little guy in my avitar, I found him and he is the start of my chicken madness. He comes in the house with me, spends evening on the couch with me just as a pet dog or cat might do. He is insanely jealous of any others that I show any attention toward. This little pullet has leg problems and so she cannot get around on her own. I have to carrier her to various locations and obviously show her attention. I know that is what prompted the attack by him. I dont plan to get rid of him but I will keep her safe from him from now on.
Regarding her wound care, Ive already done the immediate care over a week ago when the scalping incident happened. I have been care for her ever since but she fights me continuously. I just hate that she is so upset with my care of her. Im just at a loss as to what do do for her emotional wellbeing.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

You can give her aspirin:
http://msucares.com/poultry/diseases/solutions.html

 

[Lobzi]

Thank you for sharing that info. I have been using aspirin when I can get her to drink. Now I know the dosage.

 

[Lobzi]

Thank you once again Chickensaresweet. I gave BrightEyes some aspirin in her solid food since she doesnt take liquids well. She is the calmest she has been for days. Either she is in pain and it help that or it just plain relaxed her. I was finally able to sit with her for a few hours without her squirming and fussing constantly.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Thank you once again Chickensaresweet. I gave BrightEyes some aspirin in her solid food since she doesnt take liquids well. She is the calmest she has been for days. Either she is in pain and it help that or it just plain relaxed her. I was finally able to sit with her for a few hours without her squirming and fussing constantly.

Oh I am so happy she is calmer. I hope her wound heals well...apparently chickens are miraculous healers when they have injuries a lot of the time!

 

[NovaAman]

Can you maybe build her her own little pen to share with another laid back chicken? Or in the current pen, so she can be seen but not harmed? I have a special needs hen also. She lives with the meat birds. Hehe. They aren't food. They're her friends.

 

[Lobzi]

I have made what I call "safe boxes". They go over the top of the disabled bird but allows them to see the others in the yard. They are portable and look sort of like those old picnic food protectors if you know what I mean. Anyway, I like the portability of that. I can give the injured or sick birds some variety as to where to stay in these. I just have to be aware of sun verses shade issues.
Regarding her healing, I have heard that her head should heal well and quite quickly from others. I find that interesting since I also know that they have such weak immune systems that they rarely recover from illness.