Significant comb damage - help!

[Tandia]

If it heals as it is it will be in her eyes forever, and she will look she has a mad twitch!

 

[staceyj]

I’m responding here to give you my opinion about the part that’s torn away.

If you think having it dangle all over the place is going to make her a target to bullies in the flock....
Or it’s position is going to affect her vision and ability to
a. See a predator
b. target food
Or rub against her eye and cause a medical issue there later....

Clean a very sharp pair of scissors or kitchen shears with dish soap, then rinse, then clean again with alcohol.

Cut it off in one swift snip.

Firm pressure with a cloth to stop the bleeding. Styptic powder or cornstarch for coagulation of the wound, and be done with a month or two of multiple risks.

She’s injured now as it is.
Three seconds to remove it now would be a lot better than what she’ll have to deal with in the weeks to come if that dangling comb is left blowing in the breeze and it or it’s base gets infected or causes unforeseen problems down the road.

This opinion is based on my real life experience.
If you’d like photos let me know and I’ll send them to you.

 

[staceyj]

Thanks for the story with the positive ending!

I wish I could secure it so it doesn't keep flipping about as it is opening the wound up more. But is detached right where it joins her head, so I couldn't stitch to anything. I'm thinking I could use an open mesh bandage over her eyes and that way she can stlll see through, but I think she'll hate it!

This is not a wound that can be bandaged.

 

[Shadrach]

One of my girls has been attacked by a fox through the wire of the run and her comb is half ripped off.

It was a beautiful big comb, and it is now only attached by about a centimetre at the front, and is flopping in her eyes. I've given her a bath and got off as much blood as I can, although the bit around her eyes is difficult. I've got her in with me asI know I need to separate her from the others.

I have a violet antibacterial spray, which I will try to put on when she is dry enough. I am not sure what to do about the hanging comb though. It is in her eyes and is clearly bothering her, she keeps tossing her head to move it, which isn't going to help with healing, and already seems to have drawn fresh blood since her bath. Do I have to cut it off? I can't bear the thought of hurting her more. The end of it which is ripped away is already a funny dark colour :-(

I wondered about trying to bandage it so it stays still? I can't see how it can heal where it is completely detached though. Any advice?

I have attached some photos but I haven't got the best angle.

You’re going to think I’m mad but Stockholm Hoof Tar is what I use if it’s not stitchable and I can’t get to a vet.
I’ve used this on quite a few chickens over the years and I’m really impressed. Once the wound is cleaned it works very well and the chickens don’t seem interested in pecking at it.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...s-and-injuries-with-stockholm-hoof-tar.74400/

 

[staceyj]

If it heals as it is it will be in her eyes forever, and she will look she has a mad twitch!

And it will cause her to lose the eye eventually.
The cornea will become abraded and infected and she’ll likely become blind.

 

[LoveMyChickenBabies]

Yeah, I agree with staceyj, you need to cut it off. I wish you didn't have to but that comb is way to detached to save. I know you probably don't want to hear this, but if you want wants best for her, you will do it. I don't mean this in a rude way, I just don't want her to be miserable and possibly die from an infection from this.

 

[Tandia]

I tried again to bandage it, and she looked adorable but it lasted about 2 minutes.

 

[Silkie_Mom]

I'm so so sorry this happened! I recommend calling a nearby vet and getting a recommendation on how to handle this.

 

[Eggcessive]

I agree with Staceyj in that the comb or part of the comb may need to be removed. Many people dub combs on chickens with dangerously large combs or comb injuries. Some gamefowl breeds are routinely dubbed as well. I am not usually infavor of dubbing combs or the ears or tails of dogs, but in this case it probably would help to allow the comb to heal.

Here is a good article about dubbing that may help you:
https://ultimatefowl.wordpress.com/2009/01/22/dubbing/

 

[Tandia]

So if I do need to cut it off - how and where do I cut? My husband will be home later and he might do it - I can try to hold her and keep her calm, but I would be hesitant for fear of hurting her if I did it. I think he will be better. The bit at the front isn't discloured and I think will be OK, do we cut it straight off from where it is detached?

Thanks all for your help.