Problem with loner hen getting beat up after being attacked by something??

[thehangman59]

OK to start I am a beginner at best, that said I am having a problem. We had one of our 3-4 year old hens wander off to a lilac bush to brood on a single egg, all was good till some predator got a hold of her the other night and ruffed her up pretty bad. Most of the injury's on are on her head, comb nearly off and one eye gone. So we gathered her up and set her back in a nest box in the coop, so far so good. Until the rest show up and our Rooster goes right after her !! After we settled that, a peculiar hen jumped her and was being very mean. I moved her inside for the night. with food and water and a bed. If she makes it through the night I am wondering what to do next? Why do the others treat her so bad? What can I do to help her? and what should be the next step?

 

[SilkieNation]

Chickens will attack an injured, weak bird. You need to isolate her, make her comfortable, and you absolutely need to treat the injuries.

 

[Yayah]

x2
Just focus on keeping her inside right now. You can use (human) neosporin on her obvious injuries, but use the kind without added pain relief. Regular neosporin. If you can bandage her comb into a position where it might be able to heal, that would be good too. Try to keep her hydrated. Yogurt might help if she's not eating well. Watch for signs of infection. It's going to be touch and go if she's as bad as you say, but keep an eye out and you might find she's able to make it through.

 

[Eggcessive]

X3. Welcome to BYC. When a chicken is injured, they should be separated because the others will peck at blood or an obvious injury. Raccoons, foxes, and other animals can attack you chickens during the daytime while they are out free ranging. Raccoon traps can be set to catch any lurking around, and many feed stores sell them.

 

[thehangman59]

Thanks, I have all the above done and caring for the wounds now.

 

[thehangman59]

Combs history by a knats ***, no taping it, will neo it. She is inside with a rag bed and food and water, seems to be OK in body just a lot beat up in tyhe face, her attitude is good and she is walking about and pooping so the worries level is deescalating. still at aloss what to do, but will listen and work with you alls help. Thanks again.

 

[thehangman59]

I am on top of the predator thing, using game cam, vigilance and a very accurate 22. I usually take a flashlight tour once per night and immediately is any disturbance . we have had trouble with coons and seem to have them thinned out some.

 

[thehangman59]

Thanks again, she is hangin in the shop and moving around, not to happy about the comb thing but think now she may not lost the eye . Will keep you all informed as to the recovery.

 

[Yayah]

Im not saying what you should do - without photos it's impossible to know the extent of the injuries - but maybe just to give you a little perspective... There are certain breeds like the Old English Game bantams for example, where people actually intentionally cut off combs for show. If you feel like her comb has a good chance of healing, then take a few days and see what happens, but you said it was "nearly off" so if it seems to be getting worse, it's possible for her to be fine without it.
"Just sayin"
Good luck!

 

[thehangman59]

Yayah, I believe that is the case, their is no saving what is left. On a positive note her being isolated has definitely shown a better outlook. She seems to be doing a lot better and has a safe place for as long as she wants. We will let her out tomorrow (under supervision ) and see how it goes, she already wants out so.. Waiting to see and will update tomorrow. You all are all kind folk and I so appreciate your input. She is a good bird and we do anything to make their life as comfortable as possible. They do so much for us, I feel its the right thing to do the best we can for them. It just breaks our heart to see them hurting.