So my chicken went for surgery yesterday!

[chick818]

I know not many people would do so. I am fortunate to have vets in my family so it's a bit easier on the wallet, although my husband says "she better produce alot of eggs" lol

She had quite a lacaration just above her eye and the she pulled the first set of stiches out. The skin was turning black and just couldn't be left alone or infection would have most likely set in. My question is, is seeing the other chickens durring the day and not roosting with them for a week or more, going to make it difficult for her to get back in to the flock. She has to be separated for a bit longer, but hangs out durring the day in a play pen where they check in with her. (they are about 15 weeks old)

Thanks

Tara

 

[threehorses]

Goodness!!!

Yeah, the skin turning black - that's SO scary! And their skin is so delicate in that area - I'm not surprised the stitches pulled out even if well done.

And yes - separating is tough, but here's how you confuse them to make it easier.

When she's ready, a few days before put two other birds with her - or three - in HER area or a neutral area. Shake up the pecking order a bit. Then put the three of them back in. Introducing more than one 'new' member to the flock (nevermind that they're old members, all) makes things a little more confusing and less likely that just she will be picked on.

That's how I usually do it. I've had a lot less one-target beatings happen that way.

So what happened to her eye?

 

[AQHRider91]

I dont really know the theory behind this really but whenever we ve gotten new chickens or put old ones back in with the flock we just do it at night when they re all asleep. They wake up and apparently dont even notice you put the other in. Or (and i dont know if this works as well) put them in a cage so the others can see them and everything but cant really inure them.

I would for sure try it at night though and just watch them the next day for a while.

Hope I could help

 

[chick818]

We are not sure how it happened. But they were enclosed at the time, so I know that it was not a predator. And the damage didn't appear to be caused by a beak (although I haven't ruled that out) But upon closer examination of the coop, we found a nail in the corner, it is possible she got caught on it. The wound was more long then deep, and if you picked up the flap you could almost see up the skin. It wasn't pretty.

Any how, she has been stiched from the inside, so that she can not pull out the stiches. She is also on an antibiotic and is healing up nicely.

Today I had her back out with the girls, (only she was in a child's play yard) the others came over to her and one even hops in and out to visit her. As she had been in this play yard for the several days prior to the surger, due to the cut being so bad and her love for a good dirt bath.

lol

Tonight I have put her in with them to roost for a bit, and I will pull her out before I go to bed. And then repeat tomorrow, until I feel that the wound is healed up enough to tolerate a possible peck or two. When I looked in, all seemed ok.

Thanks so much for your advice and concern, it is appreciated.