Saddle for attacked hen.

[gimmie birdies]

I got a call from a friend who's daughter's hen was attacked by a hawk. They said it's back had a wound. I told them to keep the hens secure, and bring the injured hen in the house an put flour on the bleeding wound. The kept her in the house a few days an soon it laid an egg. They wanted to put it back with the others. I made it a chicken saddle out of cloth, so the other hens would not peck the wound. I just guessed the measurements after seeing a pic on line.

 

[CCsGarden]

Looks good. Make sure the wound doesn't get infected. I would apply antibiotic ointment to the wound.

 

[gimmie birdies]

Not my bird, but they did the cleaning.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

It's usually recommended to wash the wound with sterile saline or something like Hibiclens, blot dry, then coat with triple antibiotic ointment that does NOT contain pain reliever, as that is toxic to chickens. Do this twice daily until it heals, leaving the wound open. If possible keep the hen in a dog crate so the other chickens can't peck her and watch carefully for flystrike - this is flies laying eggs in the wound, hatching into maggots which must be removed. I would be afraid covering with an apron could cause infection as the wound can't breathe, but I could be wrong about this. As the fabric gets soaked with blood and other moisture it will stink and could stick to the wound, causing further damage.

 

[gimmie birdies]

They kept her indoors a few days. I only suggested the saddle once it was dry, she laid an egg, and was going to go back with the other hens. I did not want the hens to peck her. I was not asking advice, just showing what my part in the adventure was just being a nice lady and making a saddle for a friend.