Severly Injured Hen - What would you do? (warning, contains very graphic pictures)

[majormagic]

Here is a hen of mine that was out sitting on a nest somewhere out in the weeds. My best guess is that a opossum or skunk got her. As you can see in the pictures, her wing is badly damaged and infested with maggots. Was wondering how you would treat her?

 

[ClucksAndCombs]

I would definitely move in her into your house if possible. Wash her wound in warm water, and I think cutting the feathers around it would clear it away. If you have Vetericyn Wound Care Spray or other non-toxic disinfecting sprays for injuries, definitely put it on the wound. After that, put on an antibacterial ointment. I did this whole cleaning process to one of my injured hens four times a day. Also works for bumblefoot as well for anyone wondering.

I have this link that I go back to for any illness or disease. It really goes into detail a lot:
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/how-to-care-for-injured-chicken-and/

I'm going to search online for some more helpful information for you, this is just from experience.

These links are very informative as well:
https://www.mypetchicken.com/backya.../How-do-I-care-for-a-wounded-chicken-H63.aspx
http://richie-cunningham.com/2012/04/11/chicken-wound-healing-process/

 

[majormagic]

I added a poll.

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

That is honestly a call only you can make.

If it were me and she held on this long I would try to treat her. But be aware the balance of quality of life to quantity of life.

When I've had sick hens I knew them well enough that they told me when it was time.

Definitely get the maggots and dead flesh off. Then see what you are really dealing with.

 

[GldnValleyHens]

If left untreated the infection could probably kill her, but honestly I've seen worse injuries! Hope she gets better soon!

 

[Peeperscreepers]

I'd try to get all the maggots off of the wound, it'll probably take a couple of cleanings to do so. Maybe pick the maggots off with tweezers that don't come off with water.

 

[mountain chicken]

maggots already set in I would say it to be a down hill battle
if she seems to be suffering I would look at my options are you willing to dedicate many hours to her to treat and keep her as comfortable as you can ,

do you have a hospital coop so she don't have to deal with the others , if the wound is severe along with maggots major infection will set in . you will need to clean the wound thoroughly . can you obtain antibiotics .

is the wound life threatening/will she survive if treated

it's a hard choice best advise I can tell you is think of the birds best interest .

 

[majormagic]

Okay, so I got all the maggots off, which was really disgusting, and she kept trying to eat them as I took them off, which was funny in a sick and twisted way. Bad news though, her wing was too far gone, so I had to remove it.

Click on blue box to see wing.

Spoiler: Wing

 

[mountain chicken]

one thing I forgot was to say
I would make a cone out of a gal water jug and wrap it around her neck so she don't peck at the wound or bandage

 

[majormagic]

Okay, so I got the wing off, all maggots are gone, and this is what's left. Now what?