Mauled chicken recovery

[Eggstravert]

One of my little easter eggers got mauled by something (dog, fox probably) and had a huge gash torn in her back and her leg injured (not sure if it was broken or not but she had a bad limp). I seriously contemplated putting her down because of it, I didn't want her to suffer. But others had posted on here with similar injuries and their hens recovered so I gave it a shot. I sprayed her wound thoroughly with antiseptic wash, then several times morning and night with Neosporin, isolated her in her own pen from the others and gave her plenty of food, water and a heat lamp. That was 3 weeks ago and now she's MUCH better, whereas before she would barely move, dead quiet and seemed afraid of me now she is back to making happy chicken noises when i come in, her limp is better and her back is healing. The wound is still a bit raw looking and the feathers haven't filled in yet but she's on the mend.

Those of you who have had a similar encounter, how long before she can be returned to the others? I don't want them to peck at her or bully her but she's probably lonely not being able to go out or sit with the others.

 

[BantyChooks]

Those of you who have had a similar encounter, how long before she can be returned to the others? I don't want them to peck at her or bully her but she's probably lonely not being able to go out or sit with the others.

I generally wait until they can move freely and have at least pinfeathers over injured areas. It takes quite a while.

 

[deepbluesea]

I waited about a week after she was better, then let her out while they were all out free-ranging in the backyard. She held her own much better than I thought she would! I think it was helpful that everyone had a lot of space to get away if necessary.

 

[Eggstravert]

I generally wait until they can move freely and have at least pinfeathers over injured areas. It takes quite a while.

ok, so another week or 2 probably?