Really bad pecking

[Hollywood Chickens]

One of my 13 week old chicks has gotten pecked really badly on the head, all the way to her skull!!!

I isolated her, but what can I put on it to help it heal? the local feed store does not carry blue-kote or anything like that.

Is there any household item that can help? she seems perfectly happy and active.

 

[crawfordmama]

Oh, poor girl! Put some neosporin without pain reliever on the wound. Be sure to keep her isolated until it heals completely. It wouldn't hurt to give her a few treats to help her feel better!

 

[Judy]

Plain old Neosporin ointment, or whatever version you have in your house. It will be soothing to her, too.

Never use an cream or ointment on a chicken that has a "caine" drug in it as it can kill the chicken. (ex's are benzocaine, lidocaine, novacaine.)

 

[CCFarms9559]

I had this happen to one of my chicks. I got it scabbed over good and painted it with blue kote, but they would not leave her alone. I finally rehomed her. Just make sure you don't put her back in until she has feathers over it or they will pick it right back open.

Also, I gave mine antibiotics in her water too. (duramycin)

 

[teach1rusl]

But the more serious issue is going to be to figure out WHO is doing this and why (do you have a bully? is overcrowding a problem?), because healing her isn't going to do any good if she goes right back into that situation. Hope she heals quickly, poor thing...

 

[Judy]

Quote:
Actually, the pain reliever in Neosporin is not a "caine" drug and is safe for chickens -- I have used it. I only say this because it seems the stores are mostly stocking the kind with the pain reliever.

 

[OregonChickenGal]

I agree I've used it also. Didn't hurt my hen at all.

 

[Hollywood Chickens]

I don't think it is overcrowding, the have 1500 sq. ft for 36 chickens.

I don't have any bullies either.

 

[Judy]

I'd guess the chick somehow got a little blood on her head and they then pecked it. It doesn't take much; I have seen them peck one drop. Let's hope you can put him back after he is healed.

 

[Hollywood Chickens]

I hope so, idk why they started pecking her like that, she is very slow feathering out so maybe that is it.