Rooster turned on hen and scalped her

[Wyorp Rock]

This might be a stupid question, but how to I get the ointment to stay on? I got some Vetericyn for her, and tried putting Neosporin on, but it just slid right off. I think I got a very thing layer on, but it doesn’t want to stay put

The Vetericyn is fine to use.
With a wound like that I found that I needed to "warm" the Neosporin a bit between my fingers so it will stay on, but with it being raw, the spray may be better to use for a few days.
Once it starts scabbing over, the Neosporin can help keep it moist and "flexible" so the scab isn't always "cracking when she moves her neck.

 

[linsybird]

I just wanted to update this post. I used the Vetericyn spray and kept her inside, and she is doing so much better! New skin has already grown over, and hopefully tomorrow she can get back outside.

For some reason being in the crate seemed to make her want to go broody which isn’t the end of the world, but a little annoying, because she is my best layer. But I’ll let her do it, because after all she’s been through, I think she’s earned it.

 

[Ebony Rose]

You'd be surprised how well this type of wound can heal with proper first aid and a squirt of blu-kote (any color except for red). Try to not isolate her for too long from the flock as the longer that she's out of sight, out of mind, the further she slips down the pecking order.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I just wanted to update this post. I used the Vetericyn spray and kept her inside, and she is doing so much better! New skin has already grown over, and hopefully tomorrow she can get back outside.

For some reason being in the crate seemed to make her want to go broody which isn’t the end of the world, but a little annoying, because she is my best layer. But I’ll let her do it, because after all she’s been through, I think she’s earned it.

Glad she's doing better!
I agree, if you are wanting her to set, then break her.

 

[linsybird]

Oh boy. I'd rinse the wound with a saline solution, you can make this by mixing a little bit of salt in water, clean thoroughly, and use triple antibiotic ointment, neosporin would work, because most importantly you need to keep the wound moist, dont let it dry out. I dont think covering the wound would be necessary, but you need to be very careful of fly strike. That can be deadly to her. Keep her in a warm, calm place with some food and water until the wound scabs over.

I'm so sorry this happened. I'm not really well versed in chickens, but I've seen the above info given to people in here with similar injuries.

@LaFleche @Wyorp Rock @Eggcessive can give you a wealth of information.

Thanks, I’ll try the rinse, and I’ll probably try and borrow some money to get something to put on it tonight. I really hope she makes it, I’m pretty attached to her.

 

[JDChickChat]

Thanks, I’ll try the rinse, and I’ll probably try and borrow some money to get something to put on it tonight. I really hope she makes it, I’m pretty attached to her.

Of course!!! Like I said, if you have neosporin at home that will work. Vetericyn is also amazing for chicken wounds. Chickens are fighters ,
Ive seen chickens with wounds way worse on here heal up just fine!!! Its crazy how attached we get to these birds, isnt it?? I'm totally a crazy chicken lady now!! Sending lots of love your way!!

 

[linsybird]

This type of scalping injury is fairly common in chickens. She will need to be kept separated while she is healing. I would spray it with either saline, Vetericyn, or half strengthHibiclens and water, and then apply plain antibiotic ointment twice a day. Keep her away from flies. Make sure that she is drinking water, and try to encourage her to eat. Hopefully, she hasn’t suffered any brain damage. It will take weeks to heal, but most do recover eventually.

Thanks! I plan on keeping her inside as long as she needs, and by then Mr. Rooster will be long gone.

 

[JDChickChat]

I just wanted to update this post. I used the Vetericyn spray and kept her inside, and she is doing so much better! New skin has already grown over, and hopefully tomorrow she can get back outside.

For some reason being in the crate seemed to make her want to go broody which isn’t the end of the world, but a little annoying, because she is my best layer. But I’ll let her do it, because after all she’s been through, I think she’s earned it.

Oh that's so fantastic!!!!

 

[linsybird]

Thanks for an update. Glad she is healing. If you don’t want more chicks this time of the year, I would not let her set, but break her. This is normally done in a pen or dog crate (LOL) with no bedding. I use an outdoor covered pen which is tall enough to put in a roost to get them up off the ground. I scatter a little scratch grains and scrambled egg along with their usual feed for interest. A friend normally would be good, but she needs to be healed first.

I’ll probably let her hatch a few eggs. I’d be pretty happy to have a few of her chicks, she’s one of my favorites. I let her outside for a little bit today so she could see the rest of the flock (separated by a fence). I do have a very docile silkie that would be a good friend for her. They get along very well. I still have to get rid of the rooster before I can safely move her outside. Someone is supposed to be getting him this weekend

 

[JDChickChat]

It is crazy! I never thought I’d put so much work into chickens, but now I can’t imagine life without them

Same here!!