Sdwd

[seminolewind]

I'll bet someone will have an answer for you here! Is there a Delaware club?

 

[catdaddyfro]

I'll bet someone will have an answer for you here! Is there a Delaware club?

Here ya go:
http://www.delawarepoultryclub.org/

Jeff

 

[tweetysvoice]

Here ya go:
http://www.delawarepoultryclub.org/

Jeff

You guys rock! Thank you very much!!

 

[Cetawin]

Where did she get her Delaware flock she has now? If they came from a hatchery she will play heck trying to get them certified because more than likely they have columbian rocks cut in the line. Just curious.

 

[speckledhen]

Quote: There's not really any such thing as a pedigreed chicken. What Cetawin said is true, though. Hatchery Dels often have Columbian Rock blood. They pretty much ruined them, or at least, didn't do the breed any favors, in trying to get the numbers back up when they were on the brink of extinction, by outcrossing then not culling for standard. The Delaware Club should be able to give some guidance to good breeders, though. I love my big guy and the two hens I have left.

 

[Serrin]

Good morning SDWD land. I have semi-sad news to report......LH already knows and has been so very helpful and supportive....Thank you sweetie!

Apparently, my sweet little Cleo [daughter of Maggie and Chief] was attacked and nearly killed by a hawk yesterday afternoon. I discovered she was missing, when I went to give everyone some treats. I didn't hear her usual constant chirping and knew immediately that something was amiss. I found her after a few minutes of searching, over in the boys pen, hunkered down between the fence line and a bush that I have caged off to protect it from hungry boys. (they really love to eat the leaves of it in the spring.)

Long story short, she has a rip in the back of her neck that goes from near the top backside of her head, all the way down to the base of her neck. It looked for all the world like someone slashed her quickly with a scalpel!

There are two locations of hematoma, perhaps indicating punctures from hawk talons, in the flesh of her neck. This was very easy to see, as the flesh was laid bare. It was quite gruesome to be sure!

But, I clamped down on my horror and fixed her up as best I could with Denny's help. I've put five sutures in, closing up the worst of the wound. Unfortunately, I couldn't really close up the skin at the back of her head.

Evidently they have far more nerve endings near the top of the head than they do at the back of the neck, because Cleo flinched terribly every time I tried to penetrate the skin with my needle in that area.

So, I've slathered her up with a good dose of tri-biotic salve in that area. I also washed it as best as possible with a sterile wash. I'm just hoping this will hold her until I can get her to a good veterinarian today or tomorrow. Remember, this is the Spokane area....there's not a whole heck of a lot open in the way of emergency vet care on a Sunday.

As of this morning, she's resting comfortably out here in the pump house. She has drank her fill of water and so far seems quite chipper. She'll be getting some soft scrambled eggs and a little yogurt later this morning. I don't want to give her too much to eat in advance of any surgical procedures she may have to endure today. But, for the moment, she's doing very well! Keeping my fingers crossed that she continues to do so.

Her resiliency absolutely amazes me! She was so quiet and well behaved while I was stitching her up, even seeming to fall asleep in Denny's hands at one point.

If y'all could say a little prayer for Cleo, I sure would appreciate it. To others I would say, yes, I know she's just a little chicken, but I know y'all know what a little soul like this means to me. So sweet. So precious. I can't stand the thought of losing her!

ETA: A picture, even a bad one, is worth a thousand words, right? Here's the results of my **ahem** handiwork from yesterday.

 

[speckledhen]

Aw, poor baby! She's lucky to even be alive, I'd say. I think you're doing all you can do. Hopefully, infection won't set in. If you think it is, you could give penicillin injections. Chicken skin is hard to suture, as thin as it is.

 

[Cetawin]

Cyn, I asked Amy to PM you and seek your experience on injecting penicillin with small bird aka thin, young etc. I have little to no experience in that arena but I was able to help with the wound stuff and feeding this morning.

Amy, keep that entire area moist with triple antibiotic ointment so the skin and tissue does not dry out while you are waiting for the vet to open. Keep us posted as little Cleo is in my prayers and will be in my thoughts till we hear something. Such a sweet brave little girl...and Kudos to the boys guarding her their pen was the perfect place for her to run in and hide.....Brutus would look after her for sure.

 

[seminolewind]

Serrin I'm so sorry. But thank God she's still with you. I hope she makes it.

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

Amy, I hope that little Cleo will be ok

Good for the boys