PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN

[Local Girls]

Hi,

I just rescued a chick that was attacked by a dog, and I’m not sure if it’s male or female. I currently have four chickens, so I hope I can help this one. There’s a significant gash on its back. It was seen at a park yesterday (Wednesday) and stayed there overnight. I heard about it this morning and went to look for it. I arrived after the dog attack, brought the chick home, and placed it in a crate with food and water.

My question is: how should I care for the wound? Someone else retrieved its flock mate, so I’m trying to reunite them. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Eggcessive]

Most puncture wounds should be sprayed with a wound spray (Vetericyn, others) or chlorhexidene (Hibiclens) twice a day, and then plain Neosporin ointment until it heals. If you can’t get those for a bit, use saline which is 1/2 tsp of salt dissolves in 8 ounces/240 ml of water. Rinse or spray on, and follow up with antibiotic ointment. It may help to trim any feathers from the wound. Watch for signs of infection such as a bad odor, wound discharge or pus, or abscess.

Has she been in shock or acting normally? Offer water (with an tsp of sugar per cup ant first) and chicken feed. Water can be added to chicken feed making it wet and cooked egg can be offered. Keep her separated in a crate so her wound does not get pecked.

 

[Chicken_tiger_catt]

Hi,

I just rescued a chick that was attacked by a dog, and I’m not sure if it’s male or female. I currently have four chickens, so I hope I can help this one. There’s a significant gash on its back. It was seen at a park yesterday (Wednesday) and stayed there overnight. I heard about it this morning and went to look for it. I arrived after the dog attack, brought the chick home, and placed it in a crate with food and water.

My question is: how should I care for the wound? Someone else retrieved its flock mate, so I’m trying to reunite them. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

The feathers are a bit ratty looking, but that could be from the dog attack. My guess would be female RIR.

 

[Local Girls]

Most puncture wounds should be sprayed with a wound spray (Vetericyn, others) or chlorhexidene (Hibiclens) twice a day, and then plain Neosporin ointment until it heals. If you can’t get those for a bit, use saline which is 1/2 tsp of salt dissolves in 8 ounces/240 ml of water. Rinse or spray on, and follow up with antibiotic ointment. It may help to trim any feathers from the wound. Watch for signs of infection such as a bad odor, wound discharge or pus, or abscess.

Has she been in shock or acting normally? Offer water (with an tsp of sugar per cup ant first) and chicken feed. Water can be added to chicken feed making it wet and cooked egg can be offered. Keep her separated in a crate so her wound does not get pecked.

Thank you. Yes, she/he is eating really well. Must have been so hungry. I just started using that spray. There were 2 at the park, someone else retrieved the other one last night, I just picked her/him upend put them "together." The injured one is in a crate but they are talking to each other.

 

[Local Girls]

The feathers are a bit ratty looking, but that could be from the dog attack. My guess would be female RIR.

I noticed that too. Skinny too, compared to my chickies. Hoping it's a girl, boys are not allowed here, so I'd have to find a sanctuary. Just picked up her friend that was at the park too.