Large wound on side of hen (graphic images)- help!

[carlyfloyd]

I just found my 2 year old cochin with a very large wound on her side. I think she must have just survived an attack. Is there anything I can do to save her? She's inside right now but I'm worried about the size of the wound and infection.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would use chlorhexidene or weak betadine initiallly to disinfect the wound. Then saline should be good enough. After cleansing the wound, use plain Neosporin triple antibiotic ointment twice a day. It will take weeks for the tissue to come together and recover the wound. Keep her separated and away from flies. Offer moistened chicken feed and some cooked egg. Is she able to stand and walk? Is she drinking? Do you know how the predator got to her, in order to prevent your other hens from getting attacked?

 

[carlyfloyd]

I would use chlorhexidene or weak betadine initiallly to disinfect the wound. Then saline should be good enough. After cleansing the wound, use plain Neosporin triple antibiotic ointment twice a day. It will take weeks for the tissue to come together and recover the wound. Keep her separated and away from flies. Offer moistened chicken feed and some cooked egg. Is she able to stand and walk? Is she drinking? Do you know how the predator got to her, in order to prevent your other hens from getting attacked?

Thank you! We'll get some chlorhexidine tomorrow! She's inside tonight in a separate cage. The neosporin seems like she'd need a whole tube each application because he wound is so large

I couldn't find her at dusk tonight and then she came running to me but I didn't notice at first because she's so fluffy. We aren't sure what it was, but we've lost birds to racoons, and a bobcat once. This is the first time we have had any survive. I put water in front of her but she didn't drink any yet. I'll definitely follow the food recs you gave.

 

[crazychickenman007]

Where on the bird is this located? It looks pretty deep, are those organs showing?

 

[carlyfloyd]

Where on the bird is this located? It looks pretty deep, are those organs showing?

On her left side, under her wing and near her tail. Definitely a lot of muscle- can't tell if there are organs or just more muscle. It looks so terrible but she was acting normal so I thought she was in shock.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Do you have a rooster with long spurs and nails?

I agree, I'd treat just as @Eggcessive has outlined and see how it goes.

A large area like that, triple antibiotic ointment would be good. It may take quite a bit, but if you will let it warm slightly, it will be easier to apply.

Another option, though pricier would be to use Vetericyn spray gel, but you want to keep that tissue moist, so ointment is usually better.

If you need to, trim the feathers from around the wound so you can see it better and it will keep them from getting stuck in the ointment.

 

[carlyfloyd]

Do you have a rooster with long spurs and nails?

I agree, I'd treat just as @Eggcessive has outlined and see how it goes.

A large area like that, triple antibiotic ointment would be good. It may take quite a bit, but if you will let it warm slightly, it will be easier to apply.

Another option, though pricier would be to use Vetericyn spray gel, but you want to keep that tissue moist, so ointment is usually better.

If you need to, trim the feathers from around the wound so you can see it better and it will keep them from getting stuck in the ointment.

No roosters. She's actually been on a separate side of the yard because some of the hens have been mean to her and pecked some of her feathers out.

Thanks for the trimming suggestion! I'll do that tomorrow!

 

[alinas2010]

On her left side, under her wing and near her tail. Definitely a lot of muscle- can't tell if there are organs or just more muscle. It looks so terrible but she was acting normal so I thought she was in shock.

They’re good at acting normal to not seem vulnerable to a predator when hurt or sick. Good advice from the experts here, you’re in the right place. It might seem hopeless, but I’m always surprised at what they can survive when i read these dreadful threads about them being attacked. Thankful your girl survived, praying for a swift and uncomplicated recovery for her

 

[BigBlueHen53]

When we had a hen attacked and injured by a dog, we made some sterile saline solution and put it in a spray bottle. In addition to the other advice you are getting here, we flushed the wound twice daily with the saline. This way we could cleanse it thoroughly without having to scrub or even touch it, before dressing the wound with the Neosporin ointment and then coating with the Veterycin gel. It took about three weeks for full granulation and healing to take place, but she's as good as new now! Good luck with your patient.

 

[carlyfloyd]

Update: she made it through the night in her crate and is eating and drinking today. We are going to get the chlorhexidine and trim her feathers and take a look at the wound.

My question is- should she stay inside for a while? If so, any tips on how to do this other than keeping her in a crate?