Lame hen

[ValerieJ]

That doesn't look like a wound resulting from other chickens to me. It looks more like a predator got her. But, once a bird is bleeding then the other hens will peck at it because they are attracted to the red. I'm so sorry for you girl!!! Thanks for posting the picture.

Be sure to look around your coop and run and see if there is a breach in your security. I definitely think you are looking for a predator. Maybe a BOP.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. You don't give a location, but keep her free from fly strike if your temperatures are moderate. Chickens can heal from such wounds, but it is a slow process as the wound heals from the outside inwards. Continue treating with ointment, and good luck.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

She is about 6 months old - thank you for the recommendation of flushing and neosporin ointment. I did that. She is eating and drinking fine. I did reduce the size of the kennel and put her in a single instead of double kennel so she doesn’t have to walk as far to get her food and water. She seems in good spirits and loves to be held and petted.

Poor girl!
I'm glad to hear she's in good spirits.
Barring infection, chickens heal relatively well. Hopefully with your daily care she will make a speedy recovery.
Do you happen to have a rooster with long nails and/or spurs?

 

[Grandma Paula]

That doesn't look like a wound resulting from other chickens to me. It looks more like a predator got her. But, once a bird is bleeding then the other hens will peck at it because they are attracted to the red. I'm so sorry for you girl!!! Thanks for posting the picture.

Be sure to look around your coop and run and see if there is a breach in your security. I definitely think you are looking for a predator. Maybe a BOP.

What kind of predator would do this? everything seems secure.

 

[ValerieJ]

What kind of predator would do this? everything seems secure.

I guess that is my question too. Is it secure overhead too?

 

[Grandma Paula]

I guess that is my question too. Is it secure overhead too?

It is at night - during the day they are in a fenced yard.

 

[Grandma Paula]

Hi @Grandma Paula Welcome To BYC

Can you post some photos of the wounds?
If you haven't done so - general care is to flush out the wounds - you can use saline, chlorhexidine, betadine or warm soapy water. If you need to, trim the feathers out of and around the wound to keep it cleaner (makes it easier to see and access too).
If you have triple antibiotic ointment (like original Neosporin or store brand) you can put that on the wounds. If the wounds are not very deep, then the oil may be o.k.

How long ago was she attacked? Are you positive the chickens are the main culprits or could she have been attacked by a predator, she got away and then the chickens pecked at her wounds?
If she was attacked today, then I would give her some time to get over shock and recover, she may have injured/sprained her leg trying to get away.

If the chickens are the main culprits of the attack - can you think of anything that would have caused it - has this hen been sick, does she lay eggs, have you checked her for lice/mites, is she new to the flock, etc.?

How old is she?

She was attacked about a month ago and I had her in the house til it was all scabbed over and almost gone. The only thing I can think of is if they pecked at the scab and it bled the would have kept pecking.
She laid an egg every day for me when she was in the house a month ago. Now she isn’t laying. I think she is about 6 months old but I’m not sure.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

She was attacked about a month ago and I had her in the house til it was all scabbed over and almost gone. The only thing I can think of is if they pecked at the scab and it bled the would have kept pecking.
She laid an egg every day for me when she was in the house a month ago. Now she isn’t laying. I think she is about 6 months old but I’m not sure.

So the photo you posted was a month ago?
What breed is she?

 

[ValerieJ]

It is at night - during the day they are in a fenced yard.

So, again I think it is a BOP. Have any hawks around? Eagles? Owls? I have had some serious attacks chicken to chicken, but never anything close to what has happened to your girl. The only time I saw something like that it was a bald eagle.

 

[ValerieJ]

She was attacked about a month ago and I had her in the house til it was all scabbed over and almost gone. The only thing I can think of is if they pecked at the scab and it bled the would have kept pecking.
She laid an egg every day for me when she was in the house a month ago. Now she isn’t laying. I think she is about 6 months old but I’m not sure.

Oh! That makes sense to me now. I should have read through the rest of the thread before responding a minute ago. I would keep her separated until she is completely healed. Then put Blu-Kote on any areas that are red. Chickens are attracted to red and will peck at anything that color.