Silkie attacked - What to do?

[aart]

@Eggcessive and @Wyorp Rock have the best wound care advice I've seen.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry about your silkie. Do you have any idea what type of predator did this? Are your other chickens safe?

The wound looks deep and the main thing is to stop any bleeding, and make sure that her crop and esophagus are intact and not wounded. Since she has taken some fluids, have you seen anything leaking out of the wound? Vetericyn or Theracyn wound sprays are good to use, Hibiclens (chlorhexidene,) and Betadine are all fine to use to clean a wound. Plain saline is good as well if there is not infection later. Then after cleaning the wound twice a day, apply plain Neosporin or Triple Antibiotic Ointment twice a day day. Do not let the wound dry out.

Keep her separated from other chickens while she is healing unless you are there supervising, if a friend visits. They may be in shock for the first day, but just offer water in a small cup, or some wet or dry chicken feed to see if she wants to eat. Air sacs may be punctured so listen for any air escaping the wound.

 

[kgnash]

Sorry about your silkie. Do you have any idea what type of predator did this? Are your other chickens safe?

The wound looks deep and the main thing is to stop any bleeding, and make sure that her crop and esophagus are intact and not wounded. Since she has taken some fluids, have you seen anything leaking out of the wound? Vetericyn or Theracyn wound sprays are good to use, Hibiclens (chlorhexidene,) and Betadine are all fine to use to clean a wound. Plain saline is good as well if there is not infection later. Then after cleaning the wound twice a day, apply plain Neosporin or Triple Antibiotic Ointment twice a day day. Do not let the wound dry out.

Keep her separated from other chickens while she is healing unless you are there supervising, if a friend visits. They may be in shock for the first day, but just offer water in a small cup, or some wet or dry chicken feed to see if she wants to eat. Air sacs may be punctured so listen for any air escaping the wound.

Thank you for your advice. Other chickens are all fine. She seems to be doing better today. She’s eating a little and drinking water. I have been following the advice of you and others and I greatly appreciate your concern and advice. How long should I keep her in the house for?

 

[aart]

How long should I keep her in the house for?

At least until she's eating and drinking on her own.
Do you have other birds?
Any way to keep a crate in the coop and run so she can 'be with' her flock mates without getting harassed or the wound being put at risk?

Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[kgnash]

So I posted last week that my silkie was attacked and received information on her care from this community, which I greatly appreciated. However, I took her to the vet two nights ago because she was not getting better and we had to put her down, sadly.

I have three chickens that remain in the coop and they appear to be affected by her attack and disappearance and they will not come out of the coop. They used to hop around and jump up and down when I would come out in the morning and now they come out for a minute, drink/eat and run back in coop.

I am at a loss for what to do. Suggestions greatly appreciated.

 

[HuffleClaw]

Usually a vet’s #1 prescription for poultry is either "wrap the wound" or "put it to sleep"... So sorry for your loss.

 

[glassdragonfly]

So sorry. Your other chickens are probably stressed due to the attack,give them time.