My girls were attacked...

[chickiegal]

3 days ago my girls were attacked by neighbor dogs who got into my chicken yard. We lost 2 and are in wound therapy for 5. Unfortunately, we've been through this before so I have experience but I have a couple of questions: Has anyone ever given Arnica to their birds and if so how did you administer it? Same goes for Turmeric. They are so sore I was also going to rub Traumeel cream on their exposed skin where feathers were ripped out. It's been a few years since I did extensive wound therapy. Always looking for a better and more holistic and less painful solution. I'm giving them honey bathes and they are getting pain meds and antibiotics as well, vet directed. They are doing as well as to be expected.

 

[chickiegal]

I strongly recommend honey for your girl's cuts. it has amazing healing properties in it and is water soluble and won't sting. First, clean them with warm water and saline if you have it. Then apply some raw unfiltered honey. If the cuts are deep they should be bandaged to keep out dirt. The best bandages are the waterproof kind called Tegaderm. Nexcare makes them and you can find them at Walmart. Good luck!

 

[TwoCrows]

Oh and go easy on the Tumeric. Very powerful stuff but can backfire as well.

 

[drumstick diva]

The best thing to do is protect your flock from further attacks. If that means "removing" the offending dogs, so be it, Call animal control police and make registered complaints against the owners. Take pictures and document the damage and dogs if at all possible. You obviously cannot control other people BUT, you can build a veritable Fort Knox of Coop and enclosed(covered) run that will ward off any more attacks. Given that this has happened before, I would not free range ever and if need be put a few electric strands around coop and runs to convince dogs they should go elsewhere.

Are you legally allowed to "take out" dogs that are destroying your birds. If so practice SSS (shoot,shovel, shut up). If not, if you can catch them - take them to an animal shelter. Maybe after the owners have to pay for their release they will do something about tending to their pets. By all accounts they at least owe you restitution for your loss. It's very well and good that you know what they need to heal them but, it can't be enjoyable when you have to keep doing so.

 

[ILuvChickenLuv]

I don't know about those stuff but my girls were resently attacked buy something and for the small cuts/ the ones on their head or face we used witch hazel on a q-tips I hope they get better

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

I'm glad you are nursing them back to health!

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

So sorry about the attacks and your losses. That Trameel cream is good stuff and will help with inflammation and pain. You can also use a saline solution on the wounds too. Neosporin without the pain killer will really help to prevent infection. Chickens heal incredibly fast. If they start to develop infection, get ready with some Pencillin or even some Baytril will combat infection.

Just keep them warm and quiet for a while. I hope they all make a full recovery.

 

[Wyandottes7]

Welcome to BYC!

We're glad to have you.

I'm sorry about your hens! I don't know much about those natural cures/treatments, so I can't be of much help. But, good luck with your birds! It looks like Two Crows is helping you out nicely.

 

[BantamLover21]

Glad you joined us!

I'm sorry about the attack!

Two Crows has given you some good advice, and it sounds like you're doing a great job treating them.

Good luck!

 

[chickiegal]

thank you. I've been through this before and fortunately/unfortunately learned from experience. Trying new things this time around. Always looking for better ways to nurse my girls. I see you have Wyandottes. Those were the two we buried yesterday. Very sad. In recovery are Marans, a Brabanter, and a Buff Orpington (although she was the smart one and took high ground out of harms way so she was only traumatized emotionally) Thanks for the well wishes