Partially Scalped Chicken (Do I need to dub comb?)

[Classroom Quail]

My hen managed to partially scalp herself the other day. Her comb (what's left of it) is hanging in front of her face and the end is turning black (not entirely sure why, but it can't be good). Should I dub it? I don't see any other options right now, but if anyone has any other ideas, please let me know. She is eating and drinking a little, but isn't as active as usual. I have her in a dog crate right now. What can I do for her?

 

[Judy]

Dead tissue turns black, if it's truly dead and not just a scab, which is what that sounds like. It will not heal. It can easily become a source of infection for the live tissue it is attached to. I'm afraid I would dub it.

Other than that, I would clean any dirt from the wound, maybe irrigate with normal saline or mild soapy water, and apply Neopsporin or a similar antibiotic or antiseptic. Just avoid anything with "caine" such as cetacagood luck!ine or benzocaine. Keep her quiet and confined for a few days til she heals up. Chickens heal remarkably well. Good luck!

 

[Classroom Quail]

Dead tissue turns black, if it's truly dead and not just a scab, which is what that sounds like. It will not heal. It can easily become a source of infection for the live tissue it is attached to. I'm afraid I would dub it.

Other than that, I would clean any dirt from the wound, maybe irrigate with normal saline or mild soapy water, and apply Neopsporin or a similar antibiotic or antiseptic. Just avoid anything with "caine" such as cetacagood luck!ine or benzocaine. Keep her quiet and confined for a few days til she heals up. Chickens heal remarkably well. Good luck!

Ok. What should I use to dub it? Should I stop off at my local feed store and pick up some special poultry scissors (not sure those exist)?

 

[Judy]

Anything very sharp should do. Well, you'll also want some blood stop stuff, to stop (control) the bleeding, which will probably also be in the feed store. Here's a thread; the second post is by an experienced dubber:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/138579/dubbing-oeg-combs-wattles/0_20

 

[Classroom Quail]

Anything very sharp should do. Well, you'll also want some blood stop stuff, to stop (control) the bleeding, which will probably also be in the feed store. Here's a thread; the second post is by an experienced dubber:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/138579/dubbing-oeg-combs-wattles/0_20

Would flour or cornstarch work if I can't find the blood stop stuff?