Possum Head Strike!

[LCHack]

Welcome to BYC. Sorry your chicken is injured.

They can actually survive for many days without food, but they will need lots of water. When I say lots I mean 25 ml to 50 ml per pound per day. The only way to do this safely is to tube it, which I can teach you to do.

Can you post a picture of her and her wounds?

Thank you so much!! We have been getting lots of electrolytes in her by syringe. She actually opened an eye a little bit tonight and put weight on her feet. You cannot see any real wounds except her left eye is shut, pretty sure she lost that eye and her right eye was shut because of the swelling. She has a good shiner. Looks like someone popped her in the eye. Never could see where the possum teeth penetrated her head. I know she has internal damage in her head and she had clogged nostrils, dried blood. I have been trying to leave her head alone as much as possible and try not to pick. We are really encouraged tonight as she took in more water and seemed to have much more strength. I can try to snap a few pictures of her tomorrow!! Thanks again for your post!

 

[LCHack]

Poor chicken! I agree with casportpony tubing it will definitely be a fast and safe way to give her water and posting pictures will help

Thank you so much for your support. I will try to get a few pictures tomorrow. I can't see any real wounds, just looks like she was punched in the face a few times. Poor girl!

 

[Lins_BE]

I’m so happy to hear your girl is doing a bit better. I hope she makes it!

 

[drumstick diva]

I hope she makes it too

 

[casportpony]

How is she today?

 

[LCHack]

She seems to have a lot more strength and she cracked both eyes open today. We thought she had lost at least one eye but both seem in tact. She is taking in electrolytes and holds her head more steadily. She is also putting more weight on her feet.

 

[LCHack]

I hope she makes it too

Thank you ... she has so much fight in her!!

 

[AllenK RGV]

I am so sorry to hear about your bird. As an ex army nurse I think you can easily keep your chicken alive but do not know how to advise you if that is wise.

Best wishes in resolving your issue in a way that every member of your family is comfortable with!

Also she looks great in your recent photos. I'm sorry I was so grim!

 

[lazy gardener]

She looks much better than the initial description. If you can get liquids into her, you might try Poultry Nutri Drench, in addition to the electrolytes. You might also try this, and mix it into a slurry:

https://www.chewy.com/kaytee-exact-...N9t5rSEOyj7AId6ECExoCiXMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I have no experience with tube feeding. How does her crop feel? Has she been pooping since the attack? Are you keeping her warm?

 

[LCHack]

I am so sorry to hear about your bird. As an ex army nurse I think you can easily keep your chicken alive but do not know how to advise you if that is wise.

Best wishes in resolving your issue in a way that every member of your family is comfortable with!

Also she looks great in your recent photos. I'm sorry I was so grim!

No worries...my husband would go to any lengths to keep her alive. He feels so guilty about the possum strike so this is his way of dealing with it. He has so much faith in this Butterball!! He has been holding her every night and walking with me as I throw the ball for the dog. I see him kissing on her. This man is willing this girl to live, I swear it!