Predator got my hen—kill her or wait until morning to better assess?

[Shireshome]

theoldchick: Why wait so long to wash the wounds? Aren't you afraid of infection setting in? I have always been told by my vet that open wounds have to be treated quickley.

 

[theoldchick]

Excellent question! In my experience chickens (and most birds) in shock will die quickly if handled too much too soon. Over the years I've learned to allow them time to calm down before starting treatment. To properly flush wounds takes time and a chicken in shock may not survive being handled for the procedure. Improper wound flushing will only allow more bacteria to invade the area and cause more harm. Not to mention the fluid may lower patient's body temperature even more. I may give subcutaneous fluids if the bird seems to be able to tolerate the procedure.

I allow the bird to calm down then assess the injuries and go from there. This is my personal preference and works well in my situation.

 

[Shireshome]

Thanks for the reply. From your experience, how long is too long and how do I know when a bird is okay enough to clean her up? For example I remember one time a hen decided to roost up in the engine of our SUV and she went to work the next morning and came home that night the whole time stuck up there, 80 miles round trip. I didn't find her till the next morning lying on the ground under the vehicle. She was in shock and it took two days before she came out of that trance mod. She was't hurt so I didn't have to worry about that. but if she had been hurt, when would have been the best time to clean her up?

 

[7L Farm]

Return her to the flock when she's well.

 

[ICallMyselfCherie']

Quote:
I think I love you. And I mean that in the nicest, most platonic way.

x2.

 

[theoldchick]

Another good question! Recovery time can vary per bird. Usually 2-8 hours after the attack. I like to see the bird acknowledge me by trying to get away from me. When you have a bird laying limp in your arms the only thing to do is keep it warm (not too hot) and give subcutaneous fluids. Trying to attempt IV catheterization during this time will most likely kill the bird. Avians don't do well in high stress emergency situations. Restraint compresses the air sacs and causes respiratory collapse. If an injured bird comes into the hospital the patient is immediately put into an oxygen cage and allowed to calm down. One of the most important things I learned in veterinary medicine is in certain situations less is more.

 

[Shireshome]

Great, I will add this to my chicken husbandry book.

 

[theoldchick]

Quote:
I see the calf in your avatar! Now when one of those are in an emergency situation you do start IV fluids, tube feed them, flush wounds, start medications as soon as possible. Reminds me of the farm calls I went on with my boss. Big ole mama cow watching over us as we treated her calf.

Well, back to chickens......

 

[WalkingHorse]

Quote:
I think I love you. And I mean that in the nicest, most platonic way.

I think I love you too (in the nicest, most platonic way. Exactly what I would do.

 

[Shireshome]

Quote:
I see the calf in your avatar! Now when one of those are in an emergency situation you do start IV fluids, tube feed them, flush wounds, start medications as soon as possible. Reminds me of the farm calls I went on with my boss. Big ole mama cow watching over us as we treated her calf.

Well, back to chickens......

Yes, he's a mini Jersey bull calf. He was 3 weeks in the picture. He is a beauty and almost a year old now.