Rescued baby from Feed Store, toe half torn off, what to do? *UPDATE*

[Patchesnposies]

I, myself, would cut it off and make it a clean wound. If you leave it on and the tip goes necrotic it could give this baby a systemic infection.

It will probably die off any how, so you may as well do it yourself and tart the healing process in earnest.

Deb

 

[lilbreeches]

what would give it the cleanest and fastest cut - fingernail clippers or sharp scissors? I have both. and will the little chick feel it?

 

[fargosmom]

edited cuz I have less experience than others here

 

[the Old Rebel]

Since you said the bone is intact, I would not cut the toe off. I believe the skin will heal. I would just keep this baby in the house, safe and warm, by itself, and give it TIME. I wouldn't even bandage it, unless you just put a bandaid spot on the bottom of the foot to keep it out of poop, etc, because pulling a bandage off could pull the toe off. You will know in a day or two or three if the toe should come off. Just keep the wound CLEAN. I use povidone iodine, because it will not burn a bird's skin. It comes in both ointment and liquid form. I keep both on hand - the liquid for helping to clean a wound; the ointment for doctoring a wound. Time with animals and birds is an amazing healer. All the best to you. THANKS for rescuing the little fella. We'll be praying for all of you.

 

[Judy]

If the bone looks OK I would definitely NOT cut it off. Yes it would hurt if you did! But also, it should heal more quickly if you just dress it and use something like Neosporin.

I had a chick with a cut or scratch on his toe that the others were attacking. I happened to be there when the attack started, thank goodness. I snatched the chick up and dabbed some Neosporin on the toe, then kept him separated. The toe was so much better a few hours later, just a little pink, that I put the chick back with the others. He is fine.

 

[Patchesnposies]

Whatever you decide to do, good luck and keep us posted!

I'll be awaiting an update AND pictures too, I hope.

Be blessed!

Deb

 

[banter]

I think either way would work, toe/no toe, however when what you decide is done, put the stressed chick in a small box with bedding in the brooder. It will hear the other chicks and be comforted, but it will stay warm and will not be picked on. I have given a few drops of honey or molasses water to stressed chicks also-it works. However, don't force them to eat or drink, just keep them warm.

 

[Patchesnposies]

Banter-Excellent advice! I agree.

 

[Solsken Farm]

I would not cut the toe off if the bone is intact. Clean with diluted betadine, dry and wrap with a bandaid, and then wrap with scotch tape. I had a chick with a similar issue last summer. She kept the bandage on until I took it off.

Best of luck whatever you do!

 

[lilbreeches]

ok i didn't cut it off yet. i want to see if it will heal. i cleaned it up real good then wrapped a cut bandaid around it. then i took some tape and made a sort of boot to make sure the bandaid stays on. the baby chick didn't like the cleaning or wrapping at all. but she is fine with it now. back to eating and visiting through the wire with her new friends (my 2 wk olds still in brooder).

edited for spelling