Pecking injury

[Shelbysoobs]

A tail feather must have been broken or pulled that started to bleed and unfortunately the others noticed the blood. She isn’t in shock which is a good sign. I found her pretty quickly I think, the injury appeared very fresh. I observed her and noticed her walking around and preening a bit. I didn’t notice if she ate or drank though. I sprayed with vetericyn upon discovering her and separating her. I brought her inside Now to inspect closer and it looks like she might have a minor flesh injury as well, the area appears oddly shaped as if a chunk is missing.. how would you wrap an injury in this area and how will I keep it covered to prevent fly strike? I have all the first aid supplies but I don’t know how to wrap the area securely.. I feel horrible for this poor girl. We have the worst luck with polish hens!

ETA: crop is empty :-(

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Can you tell if the oil gland is still intact, it's hard to know.

Clean the wound with saline, Chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) or Povidone Iodine. Apply a thin layer of triple antibiotic ointment to the wound to keep it moist.

Do not cover the wound unless she starts picking at it. If that happens, put a hen saddle or infant's t-shirt on her to deter picking.

She needs to be kept in a place where flies cannot get to the wound.

Provide her with her normal food and water. You can give her electrolytes or sugar water for a few hours for a couple of days to help work her through stress and shock.

 

[Shelbysoobs]

Can you tell if the oil gland is still intact, it's hard to know.

Clean the wound with saline, Chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) or Povidone Iodine. Apply a thin layer of triple antibiotic ointment to the wound to keep it moist.

Do not cover the wound unless she starts picking at it. If that happens, put a hen saddle or infant's t-shirt on her to deter picking.

She needs to be kept in a place where flies cannot get to the wound.

Provide her with her normal food and water. You can give her electrolytes or sugar water for a few hours for a couple of days to help work her through stress and shock.

Thank you! The oil gland does appear to be in tact because the missing chunk is on the side and the top of her tail area thankfully is still there. It looks a little yucky but I do think it’s blood from the surrounding area and the tissue is not pecked on the gland.

I will put the ointment on the area and will skip gauze or vet wrap. She was preening her feathers but not near the wound so I will keep an eye on whether or not she bothers the wound before covering. I have her in my garage for now and will be vigilant about flies, which should be manageable for us.

Any tips for applying the ointment? I know it needs to be done but I’m hoping to not hurt her or stress her more either. Last hen I had that needed superficial wound care got stressed and died despite having a treatable wound, so I’m pretty cautious and antsy now.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you! The oil gland does appear to be in tact because the missing chunk is on the side and the top of her tail area thankfully is still there. It looks a little yucky but I do think it’s blood from the surrounding area and the tissue is not pecked on the gland.

I will put the ointment on the area and will skip gauze or vet wrap. She was preening her feathers but not near the wound so I will keep an eye on whether or not she bothers the wound before covering. I have her in my garage for now and will be vigilant about flies, which should be manageable for us.

Any tips for applying the ointment? I know it needs to be done but I’m hoping to not hurt her or stress her more either. Last hen I had that needed superficial wound care got stressed and died despite having a treatable wound, so I’m pretty cautious and antsy now.

It's good to hear the oil gland is intact.

For applying ointment to a wound like that, I usually put the tube of ointment in a small glass of warm water to help soften it up so it will spread on more easily.