Something is chewing on my chickens neck...

[fernv]

View attachment 2807661


Where in this diagram would you say is the wound located?

It's right where her neck ends, just before her back starts.

 

[aart]

If not something sharp, could have been a raptor.
I'd looks for other puncture wounds, can be very hard to get feathers out of the way to see skin for inspection.

Lightened to see better.

 

[Katanahamon]

No plans to go to the vet at this point. I'm not sure any local vets work with chickens and she is very content inside for now - eating, drinking, pooping, grooming.
Should we start antibiotics even if she seems to be doing good and we regularly spray with vetericyn? Or should we wait a bit and see?
I don't think there could be anything sharp, but we'll double check. She has been spending all her days in our garden, which is a pretty safe space. She comes in first thing in the morning and doesn't go back out until bedtime.

Well….if you’re not going to a vet, it’s 50/50. She will get better, or not. They’re experts at hiding pain, so, you won’t know she’s dying until it gets really bad. I’m not a vet, I can look in Gail’s book and advise how to treat a penetrating wound, but if it’s serious, I’ll bet she says “get professional veterinary care.” I can’t advise whether or not to start an antibiotic. I don’t know which ones are even available to laypeople. Here’s a blurb from her book..hope they help..