Serious wound - 4”x4” of top layer skin (feathers) gone

[Kaela23]

My pullet was found today with a 4”x4” skin wound under her right wing. Something caused a tear or rip in her skin and since there was yellow foul smelling decay - at least 3-4 days ago. I washed the wound, cut off the hanging necrotizing tissue & feathers, put antibiotic ointment on the large wound, and used sterile gaze pad and vet wrap. She is making happy noises, eating and will stay inside in her hospital cage as long as needed. I have tetracycline in her water - the only antibiotic ok for birds. I’m not sure of the best ointment to use on this large area of missing skin. And how often do I change the bandages? I’m treating like I would a human burn victim with 2 Nd degree missing skin. I would love your comments

 

[ChickNanny13]

Could we get a picture?
Neosporin without the pain relief is often recommended. Vetericyn is a good product also. I would change daily to check the area but then I've never had to deal with such an injury.

@aart @azygous @casportpony @Eggcessive @Wyorp Rock
Thank you for your help in advance

 

[glassdragonfly]

Sorry for your girl. I think you are doing great so far. Just make sure the antibiotic does not have any pain relief in it. I would change and clean twice a day,so if any infection shows up you catch it quick. Its great that she's eating and drinking,acting good.

 

[azygous]

You're doing it exactly right. Neosporin or any triple antibiotic ointment without pain reliever is excellent for keeping the wound moist. If you're keeping her in a crate and no dirt or debris can get into the wound, I see no reason to bandage unless she starts pecking at her wound.

You seem to have the basics of wound care down pat - cleanse daily, keep wound moist. You'll see steady progress, granulation at the outer edges as new tissue forms and grows toward the center.

It's unfortunate you didn't discover the wound before the hanging flap of skin and feathers necrofied. I've had good luck using a torn flap as a skin graft, laying it over the wound after applying the ointment and plastering more on top. The result is a wound that heals twice as fast and since the graft has feathers, feathers also grow back .

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry about your chicken and her wound. Do you have a rooster who might have cut her sides with his spurs or nails while try to mate? It sounds like you have things under control. I would use a cleaner for the wound, then twice a day, apply plain Neosporin or Triple Antibiotic Ointment until the wound heals. The cleaner can be Hibiclens (clhorhexidene,) Betadine, saline, or Vetericyn. Most leave these wounds open, and use clean old towels for bedding so nothing gets into the wounds. Most of these wounds heal well in a few weeks, and the skin will granulate and come together. Look for any signs of infection (bad odor, pus, redness,) and clean with either Betadine or Chlorhexidene, and resume care. Pictures are helpful to show how the wound progresses.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

My pullet was found today with a 4”x4” skin wound under her right wing. Something caused a tear or rip in her skin and since there was yellow foul smelling decay - at least 3-4 days ago. I washed the wound, cut off the hanging necrotizing tissue & feathers, put antibiotic ointment on the large wound, and used sterile gaze pad and vet wrap. She is making happy noises, eating and will stay inside in her hospital cage as long as needed. I have tetracycline in her water - the only antibiotic ok for birds. I’m not sure of the best ointment to use on this large area of missing skin. And how often do I change the bandages? I’m treating like I would a human burn victim with 2 Nd degree missing skin. I would love your comments

Looks like you have already received good suggestions so far. Photos are always welcome.
I agree with not wrapping the wound unless she's picking at it.

If the wound is really foul smelling, then it may need to be flushed a few more times and cleaned out really well to help with the healing process.

As for how she was wounded, do you have a rooster with long spurs or sharp nails?