Possum attack

[PrissyMaid]

Two nights ago a possum got into our henhouse and had a showdown with our Dominique hen, Trixie. Thankfully we heard the ruckus and got to them quickly, but Trixie comb and eye(s?) were injured. Her injuries didn't seem to be too bad- a little bleeding on the comb and around the eye. However, she is now very tenative and slow-moving with swelling in both eyes (especially one). She is eating and walking around, but we're wondering what we can do for her.

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. She is lucky that you heard the disturbance an saved her. I would make sure the areas are cleaned with saline or weak betadine (don't get it into eyes.) Then put neosporin or antibiotic ointment on everything daily and into eyes. Look for puncture wounds since those can abscess in a few days--those need to be kept open if possible. Hydrogen peroxide and a QTip can help with that. Put her in a crate with food and water close enough that she can find it, but also offer it to her and help her drink until the swelling goes down. Scrambled eggs and tuna as a treat including her feed may be helpful and tempting. You might want to keep her crate in the coop so she doesn't lose her place in the flock, but don't worry if you can't.

 

[PrissyMaid]

Thanks so much for the reply! Just wanted to double check and make sure that it is ok to put ointment directly onto the eye (not just the surrounding area). Thanks again for your help!

 

[Eggcessive]

Thanks so much for the reply! Just wanted to double check and make sure that it is ok to put ointment directly onto the eye (not just the surrounding area). Thanks again for your help!

Yes into the eyes is fine. You're welcome.