Possible head concussion with one of my hens

[Shannono100]

Hi. So I babysit this 4 year old who I caught hitting one of my chickens on the head with a crowbar. Not sure how she got ahold of it as it was nailed up pretty high. But anyways, I got her hitting one of my girls in the head. That was yesterday. Today miss Bernice my chicken is really lethargic, she walks really slowly with her head down. She does eat and drink, but not with gusto like her sisters. I'm keeping a close eye on her. Is there anything I can do for her? Anyone have similar situation? Yes I reprimanded the 4 year old.

 

[Nomadicus]

Hello and Welcome to BYC! I do hope the hen makes a full recovery.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

Make a post in the Emergencies forum, and medical experts there will advise you. I'm really sorry that happened to your poor hen. No way would that kid ever set foot on my property again.

 

[Shannono100]

Make a post in the Emergencies forum, and medical experts there will advise you. I'm really sorry that happened to your poor hen. No way would that kid ever set foot on my property again.

Thank you for the advice. I am only watching her until July but yes she won't be allowed out back for the rest of the time.

 

[nuthatched]

I know 4 year olds are wily and posses the devils mischief, but I wouldn't admit to losing track of someone elses child on a public Forum
It's likely for the best the kid won't be coming back on your property as I don't see this working out well for all parties.
Anyway, after neurological trauma, try a regime of 400 i.u vitamin E and a sliver of a B complex tablet every day for a few weeks. I hope she mends!

 

[Shannono100]

I know 4 year olds are wily and posses the devils mischief, but I wouldn't admit to losing track of someone elses child on a public Forum
It's likely for the best the kid won't be coming back on your property as I don't see this working out well for all parties.
Anyway, after neurological trauma, try a regime of 400 i.u vitamin E and a sliver of a B complex tablet every day for a few weeks. I hope she mends!

Thank you for the information I appreciate it. Also I didn't lose track of her. It's barely 1/4 acre that's completely fenced in. It's also a close family members child.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

How is your hen doing today? The regimen that @nutchatched stated helps with general neurological symptoms. Head impact trauma is common when wild birds fly into a window, but I didn't find much info as to how to treat the concussion, other than to keep the bird in an enclosed dark space and make sure they stay hydrated. Since your hen stayed with her flock after her trauma, that's probably a moot point now. @azygous , @Wyorp Rock , @coach723 , do you have any advice for this new BYC member?

 

[coach723]

The only other thing I can suggest would be an anti inflammatory, in case there was some swelling. Meloxicam is usually prescribed, but you have to get it from a vet. Aspirin can be used, but only if you are sure that there is no bleeding, which would be hard to tell with a closed head injury, so I'd be reluctant to use it for this. I think a quiet, low light place where she's safe from others, and the vitamins is what I would do, and give her some time. Hope she recovers.

 

[azygous]

Any four-year old who hurts animals needs therapy. Now. No need to wait until she is caught doing something similar again.

Chances are good your hen will recover, if only for the reason she is still alive after that abuse.

 

[Shannono100]

How is your hen doing today? The regimen that @nutchatched stated helps with general neurological symptoms. Head impact trauma is common when wild birds fly into a window, but I didn't find much info as to how to treat the concussion, other than to keep the bird in an enclosed dark space and make sure they stay hydrated. Since your hen stayed with her flock after her trauma, that's probably a moot point now. @azygous , @Wyorp Rock , @coach723 , do you have any advice for this new BYC member?

Hi. I appreciate everyone's concern. Miss Bernice did pass this evening . I tried everything everyone suggested but it wasn't in her cards. My kids and I shed a few tears. I know it's just a chicken. But she was a living thing. I'm a huge empath and the emotions took over
We gave her a nice service. Rip Bernice