Nasty flesh wound on young Buff Orpington (Picture)PLEASE HELP ASAP!!!

[Beanface]

Hi. I know I am new to this forum, but I have had a hatchery for 4 years now. I also had chickens growing up on the farm with my parents.. Recently I had to deal with a wasp sting and last year a nasty head wound on one bird..so bad it was to the bone. I thought I would have to put out of her out. I kept washing it with antibacterial soap/water..then cleaning it with Peroxide..then using neosporin and wrapping it up for few days. I would change it daily..wash it..re do it all daily. It healed up over a week or so.

I hope this helps..

 

[chkn]

Definitely the other hens. Clean it up and put some Blue Coat on it.

 

[redhen689]

See how many different opinions you get?
Hydrogen peroxide is no longer recommended for cleaning out wounds on a daily basis, it actually has been shown to slow healing.

I have a 5 or 6 week old with a similar, wound, actually a bit bigger, because it extends the whole way down her neck.

I also had hen in the past with even more severe injuries, who survived just fine.

You wrote that you cleaned it up, from now on, just put antibiotic ointment on it twice a day. It should heal up fine.

You may wish to add a little electrolytes and vitamins to her water. Feed her extra protein, I'm giving mine chopped up scrambled egg.

Keep her in the house or somewhere clean and safe.

When she is healed, don't put her in with the others. She will need to be in a dog crate, or other fenced area where the other chickens can see her, but not hurt her.
Eventually she should be able to be integrated into the flock, but it will take time.

 

[Gladiator]

Looks like the skeen is cut open. This may sound bad to you; but you are going to have to steach the skeen back together. Two of my 6 week old chicks survived a fox atac and I had to do this my self. Put alcohol in the wound, get yourselve a nidle and strong string, deep them in alcohol for a few seconds and do what you have to. Get somebody to help you hold the chicken and dont hessitate; the more sorry you feel for him, the longer you will cause him pain. Fortunately, they are tuff and it is not as bad as it sounds. put neosporin on the wound after you finish and it will be ok, they heal fast. If you dont put the skeen back together you are risking an infection and damaged surface tissue of the neck muscles. Good luck.

 

[biddybird]

Ok, I just cleaned it with diluted iodine and put some neosporin cream on it. She's eating and drinking, and my fingers are crossed. I'll post some pictures as she hopefully heals.

I have treated several wounds like this and all is well!

Best wishes for your pretty girl!!!!​

 

[Scarlet_Cowgirl]

IF she is eating and drinking, she will probably be fine

A broad spectrum antibiotic for 10 days is never a bad idea, but most don't need it. Do NOT use peroxide - it actually disrupts the epithelial cells and will slow the healing. Weak betadine solution is the best way to go and Neosporin after will keep it moist.

Honey after the first 24-48 hrs will help granulation tissue form. I used to work for a vet that specialized in exotics, and you would be surprised at hoe fast/well they heal! Good luck!

 

[karrint]

So many different opinions, yes. I appreciate all the input, so thank you to everyone.

Right now I'm keeping the wound covered in an antibiotic cream. I do have her here inside with us, away from the rest of the girls. I have electrolytes in her water, and have been offering her plain greek yoghurt for extra protein and probiotics. Oh, also have some apple cider vinegar (with "the mother") in her water. Haven't heard of using honey before. How exactly do I use it and how often?

 

[karrint]

Oh and yes, to answer about the skin being cut open, it is. There's no skin left in the wounded area at all. I can't tell if it's just a large laceration that has split wide open or if the skin is actually torn off and missing. Feel bad poking and prodding at it too much, tho, and frankly (even after years of working as a surgical vet tech) I don't have the gumption to try and stitch it up myself. Gonna hope mother nature helps me out with this one.

Haven't used peroxide. Only diluted betadine the first time to clean it, and just using the cream now unless it somehow gets dirty again.

 

[BrattishTaz]

Quote:
Neosporin or Polysporin applied twice a day should stop any infection. You can reduce that to once a day when it scabs over as long as you see no red or inflammed spots. Electrolytes (for a few days) and increased protein will help as well. It will take 4 to 6 weeks for that to heal and start regrowing feathers so be prepared to keep him separated for a good while. I do not blu-kote or reintroduce mine until the wound was completely healed because birds will often peck others on the head during "disagreements".

You are going to have to figure out what is causing your other birds to peck like this though. I've been told it can be caused by inadequate space or protein, I changed both and the issues stopped.

I am going to add a link to the thread I created when I was dealing with this. Your bird's injuries are not as bad as the main bird in the thread but hopefully you will find some helpful info.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=501351

 

[BrattishTaz]

Quote:
The betadine should have been sufficient, no peroxide needed. You won't need to stitch either, the skin will regrow over the area.