Reintroducing to flock in winter

[chickle]

One of my hens had a broken toenail which bled all over the place...she's been in a dog crate in the basement and is healing well. I'm not sure how exactly we should reintroduce her to the flock when she's ready, because we are in Massachusetts, and it's very cold out. I don't want to leave her in the run in the crate during the day, because she won't be able to get warm in the coop. The crate won't really fit inside the coop. There isn't a great place to fence her off in there, either. Ideas? She's a white Plymouth Rock if that makes any difference with advice about cold tolerance.

Any tips are greatly appreciated!

 

[Bridebeliever]

How long will she be away from the flock? You could always just add her back in while you are present to see how it goes. I know its generally not recommended but this is how I have always done it and it has gone well each time. I don't have a super aggressive flock but they still can have their kafufels.

 

[chickle]

So far, 2 days. I was hoping she'd be alright to go back soon, but I just changed her bandage and it's still not looking great. Definitely not at a point I'm comfortable leaving it uncovered to get dipped in poop or snow!

I'm thinking she might stay in the house through the weekend, since a big storm is predicted..

 

[Bridebeliever]

Have you put something on it to fully stop the bleeding and promote healing?

You may be able to just reintroduce. Some people do this at night when everyone is calm and on the roost for the evening. I like to do it in the daytime when they are free ranging so the one being reintroduced has space to run away if needed.

 

[chickle]

I have, and I've bandaged (gauze+vet wrap) it to cover it. Do you think she's fine with the bandage on to be reintroduced? My only concern if so is that she's shy and hard to catch to take the bandage off later!

 

[Bridebeliever]

I think the potential for the other chickens to start pecking at the wrapping is pretty high. They are so curious, anything that looks out of place they just can't help themselves!

 

[chickle]

That's kind of what I figured..I'll have to see how she's doing tomorrow!