Predator Attack

[chickimoma]

My auto chicken door failed 2 or 3 nights ago and a predator got in and killed my Exchequer Leghorn and severely mauled a young EE pullet. Pulled almost all the skin off her back. I know I should probably euthanize her but I have cleaned her up as best I can with with antibacterial solution, put antibiotic cream on her skinless areas and covered her with surgical dressings. I've been giving her electrolyte water with a syringe and keeping her in my bathroom sink on a bath mat and a heat lamp. I haven't tried to give her any food yet. I'm not giving her any extra antibiotic because I expected her to die right away but its been 2 days. I think she was mauled at least 3 days ago because of the dryness of her wounds. I changed her dressing last night a found a couple of small maggots which I cleaned out. I'm not sure if I am prolonging her misery with such large tissue loss or if I need to step up her treatment and get some antibiotics. I previously treated a 2 mo. old roo who had a similar injury but I was able to pull the skin up and glue it together. He recovered perfectly, much to my amazement. This girl doesn't have anything to glue.
Please, give me the courage to do what needs to be done.

 

[chicmom]

Hello-

You know, in your heart, and of course by looking if she's feeling better, or if she's suffering terribly. Either way, you will do the right thing. If you need to euthanize her, a very sharp hatchet is quick and efficient. So sorry you're going through this......

 

[rahbeen]

Chickens can recover from some nasty wounds. I would give her a chance if it seems she's not suffering and is eating and drinking ok. You will know what the right thing to do is. I hope she pulls through for you.

 

[chickimoma]

Thanks for tea and sympathy. She passed away yesterday afternoon. I think the tissue loss was too massive. The miracle was how I managed to super glue the little EE roo back together a couple of months ago and he survived! Difference was I got him right after he was injured and the skin was still there. His spine was completely exposed (gack!). Now he is busily hopping on all my hens. He especially likes my HUGE blue Orpington. He must feel like a jet landing on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier!

Now I want to get a wireless camera system- Chicken Cam! I try to check that the not-always-so-automatic-door is closed each night but the one time I don't-DISASTER! The rest of the coop is like Fort Knox so the pop-hole is the vulnerable point. I have the Pullet-Shut which is sturdy but if it fails you can't get it to close without bending it at the bolts where it pivots.

Thanks again to my BYC buds!