My polish was attacked and I'm not sure if I can save her. Help!

[SweetHomeAlabama]

So first of all I have referred to this website many times and have found so much useful information. I thought I would post on here in a last attempt to see if there is anything else I could do. We started chickens about a year ago. And one of our original birds went missing without a trace. No feathers no nothing. Then just two days ago I witnessed a hawk or golden eagle I'm not sure which but was on top of my polish chicken. She was already the underdog and never knew where she was going but the predator did bad damage to her. I sent my dog after him and he chased the bird away. My chicken is alive. Doesn't want to eat. Won't drink on her own. Won't forage. I have separated her because the other girls pecked at her. Her eyes are messed up and a lot of feathers were plucked out of her wings. I think she might have brain damage or maybe she is straining to see because she slowly turns her head from side to side. At this point is there anything I can do for her besides put her down? I don't want her to be miserable and die of starvation. And how much longer should I give it to see if she comes around? Thanks in advance.

 

[Sneebsey]

Is there any damage to the back of the head? With crested breeds like Polish brain damage is a concern due to the vaulted skull.

Have you cleaned and disinfected the damaged areas? I would try to trim away her crest as much as possible (avoid cutting too far as you can cause bleeding) to give her the best chance at seeing, and to keep from the feathers irritating her damaged eyes. Remember that she may well be in shock, so just try to keep her warm and quiet and provide food and clean water at all times so that she can eat. Try mashing up a boiled egg for a protein filled treat, or provide mealworms; she may be more willing to eat these than her normal feed (though normal feed should still be available).

 

[Abriana]

You can give her poultry nutridrench and use a syringe to give her water every four hours or so (so you don’t exhaust her) and directly after nurtridrench.

 

[SweetHomeAlabama]

Sneebsey I have checked her crest and haven't found anything. But the back of her neck and shoulder area looks like that's where he got her good. I have sprayed vetricyn on the areas affected. I noticed today it smells a little bad. And I also noticed one of her eyes are okay. I can't tell if the other one is intact or if she just has it closed. Regardless it looks better but still not good. She has drank a lot of water today by me putting it close to her face. And there is food too. But she hasn't eaten any. I will try the eggs and see what she does. Do you think she needs a year lamp or No? She is currently in a large bin with hay.

 

[Sneebsey]

I doubt a heat lamp is necessary, no; it might exacerbate the infection she has (the bad smell is symptomatic of infection). Her drinking is a good sign for sure. I would clean the injuries again and retreat with vetricyn to help her with the infection and just keep her separate and quiet for now, with food and water available when she needs it.

 

[SweetHomeAlabama]

Okay thank you so much!! Will do!

 

[Cindysrescue]

She is probably in shock. As long as she's drinking, that's a good sign and I wouldn't put her down. Keep her isolated in a hospital box and let her rest. Keep her wounds clean (trim feathers if needed) and keep pushing food and water often if you can. I have seen chickens recover from serious injuries, so you never know. If an injured chicken in my care is drinking and or eating, I know there's always hope for recovery.

 

[Jessica Thompson]

Do you have a picture oh the wound?