Open wound from Bully!

[Montellopnds]

Hi folks. Yesterday I noticed one of my new chickens (American) has a gapping wound on her head and neck area. I have 10 chickens and introduced 4 new ones this spring. The new ones seem to get bullied by an older Rhode Island Red. I have been spraying Vetericyn on the wound area and I have that one in a contained smaller portion of the run. I am planning on putting the bully in solitary for a week isolated from the rest.

Any other suggestions from you all?

Thanks in advance
Steve

 

[andreanar]

Sounds like youre on the right path! I wouldn't put up with that bully hen, and if the weeks time out doesn't work, and if its only her doing the attacking, Id get rid of her. Good luck

 

[Montellopnds]

Thanks for your quick response. Do you think there is even a chance to reform the bully, or just get rid of her? Do the wounded ones normally heal and get better?

 

[andreanar]

Thanks for your quick response. Do you think there is even a chance to reform the bully, or just get rid of her? Do the wounded ones normally heal and get better?

Depends what the wounds are like and if they get infected. You could start her on an antibiotic to prevent infection. Pen-G or Tylan 50 would work. Chickens are pretty tough and Ive seen some pull thru with horrific wounds.
As for your bully hen, I have no idea if separating her will work. All you can do is try. But before you put your injured girl back with the others: do you have a submissive, gentle hen you can put in with her for a week or so? I wouldn't do it until shes pretty well healed tho because chickens will peck at her wound. You can try adding one chicken at a time in with the injured one and that sometimes works better.

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/yikes-large-wound-on-hen.1141144/

I share this link with everyone with an injured bird.

I had a RIR who was named Bossy because of her attitude. She did settle down once any new birds found their place. She used to show the roosters who was boss.