Lola's mystery wound is swelling

[miniwarrior]

Hi peeps,

So, this morning I walked out to let the chickens out of the run and noticed Lola was bleeding from the top of her head- very fresh wound as the blood was still bright red. I have no idea how it happened as there are no signs of a fight and they were locked up all night- she was acting normal too.

So, I cleaned it up (thanks to the great advice of Quail something and someone else in the chat room- sorry I can't remember the names!!! It's been a long day) and isolated her in the house with food and water. I cleaned it with a saline solution and then put neosporine. We found the wound at the base of her comb- and then one smaller slit at the top of one part

Tonight when I checked on her, the bleeding had stopped, but now the area around her eye is quite swollen and puffy. Is this a sign of infection or could it just be normal swelling from the injury? It looks like she got in a bad boxing match. If it is infected, is neosporine enough to fight that or should I try some antibiotics in her food water? any ideas?

ps. sorry there's not pics right now- I'm going to get them in the morning so I don't have to wake her up.

 

[ivan3]

I'd think you're right about the boxing match. If the swelling around the eye gets more pronounced post up a pic. When she's well enough to reintroduce to the flock pick a time when you're able to watch `em for a bit. See if any new/old sparring partners decide to go a few more rounds. Seems like you're doing everything possible at the moment.

Good luck!

 

[miniwarrior]

Thanks! The swelling seems to be going down now and I plan to reintroduce her to the flock later today.

 

[FrontPorchIndiana]

Is she healed? I would wait until she's pretty much healed before reintroducing her to the flock. They'll see a wound and peck at it making it worse than the original wound.