Mama Hen Badly Hurt

[MelaniaD12]

Keep her inside away from flies. She may be in shock for awhile, so keep her environment quiet and dim. Since the wounds are along her back, her air sacs or lungs may be affected. Many times chickens will recover from a wound like this, if they have not suffered internal injuries from squeezing or shaking. Look for puncture wounds on her underside and under wings that may be hidden. Do you here any air coming from her back?

Clean her wounds gently twice a day and cover with plain Neosporin or Triple Antibiotic Ointment. Vetericycn or a similar wound spray are easy to use for cleaning, and you may also use saline, Clorhexidene, or Betadine. If there is a bad odor from infection, I would use the Betadine or Chlorhexidene.

When she is alert and able to swallow, offer some water or electrolytes. If she drinks, then offer some cooked egg and feed. Adding water to feed may get more fluids into her. Good luck to you.

Thank you so much! I'm worried about ants/flies getting on her. I am going to move her indoors.

 

[Eggcessive]

Aspirin can be given orally 81 mg by mouth twice a day. It also can be given 325 mg in each 8 ounces or 240 ml of water.

 

[MelaniaD12]

She made it through the day. Now to get through the night. We are racking our brains trying to figure out what critter did this to our poor baby.

 

[ValerieJ]

I have no idea. Do you have a game camera you can set up? Whatever got her will come back for more. I know your chickens are safe now, but the predator doesn't know that yet. I'm happy she made it through the day, and frankly, I think she will make it in the long run too. Just keep it clean and dressed, and do not allow for fly strike. That would be the biggest danger I can think of. I hope you have a safe indoor space for her.

 

[aart]

She made it through the day. Now to get through the night. We are racking our brains trying to figure out what critter did this to our poor baby.

Is she eating and drinking and pooping ok?
Doesn't really matter what did it.
Is the skin gone or just all the feathers?

 

[Chelsa'sChicks]

I have had a pullet that had the skin and muscle pulled off her back and she lived. Any flies or maggots she picked out herself. I dumped peroxide on it for 2 days then watched it. Amp up protein for healing and lots of water. I think she will be ok.

 

[aart]

I dumped peroxide on it for 2 days

Peroxide may be OK for the first initial cleaning only as it can destroy heatlhy tissue too.
Other cleansers are safer.....

Vetericycn or a similar wound spray are easy to use for cleaning, and you may also use saline, Clorhexidene, or Betadine. If there is a bad odor from infection, I would use the Betadine or Chlorhexidene.

 

[Chelsa'sChicks]

Peroxide may be OK for the first initial cleaning only as it can destroy heatlhy tissue too.
Other cleansers are safer.....

Correct, which is why I stated it was used to 2 days and no longer

 

[aart]

Correct, which is why I stated it was used to 2 days and no longer

Just wanted to point out to any other readers why HP is not the best choice,
and to point out other options.

 

[MelaniaD12]

I have had a pullet that had the skin and muscle pulled off her back and she lived. Any flies or maggots she picked out herself. I dumped peroxide on it for 2 days then watched it. Amp up protein for healing and lots of water. I think she will be ok.

She’s hanging in there. I’ve been giving her scrambled eggs, cantaloupe and water. She’s been quite the pampered bird but she deserves it! She even laid an egg yesterday! All of her feathers and skin were ripped out. Do you know what got ahold of yours? Surely my roo didn’t do this? I’ve been reading some other post about roosters hurting the hens. I wonder if her feathers will grow back.