question about chicken hygiene and wound care

[doodle]

I am new to raising pet chickens and I need some info. 2 of my hens have red, raw looking bottoms and one of the hens has a small open wound where it looks like one of her quills has come out. I would appreciate any information that you can send my way. Thank you!

 

[JennsPeeps]

First thing you need to do is separate them from the other hens to prevent picking, which would worsen the wounds.

Second, you can cleanse the wounds with saline solution.

Call a feed store in your area and ask about topical antibiotics for chickens. Don't use the stuff you'd buy at the grocery store - it's toxic.

Finally, try doing a search here on BYC for wound care on chickens. There are TONS of threads on this topic.

Last, but not least, keep us all posted on the progress! Good luck to you.

 

[d.k]

*You can use Neosporin on the wound, but it must be the kind with NO benzocaine pain numbing additive. Benzocaine is harmful to chickens.

 

[doodle]

Thanks for the suggestions! Prior to reading the responses, I went to the feed store and they recommended using SWAT ointment to help repel any flys. I cleansed area with saline, dried area off really well, applied antibac ointment, and then applied the swat ointment. She tolerated really well. The small area does not seem tender to touch; however the area feels really hard as if there is something stuck in the skin. Area is slightly open ( area size is approx end of pencil eraser), not draining anything, and no swelling noted. Area red compared to skin color in that area. Do you think she needs antibiotics in her water or just watch and see how she does? She is active, eating, drinking fine, did see her with slightly runny poop after I cleaned and applied ointment. Thanks for any help!