Torn crop

[Maggiechrisman]

I keep my new chicks outside in kennels after being fully feathered to integrate with the rest of the flock. I noticed this one yesterday acting funny and came home to this today. This is where I’m at now. I’ve been spraying with vetericyn as I go. Can I try to make a fabric bandaid strip to reconnect the skin and keep it wrapped with bandage tape while I isolate? Is there a good chance I can save her? I’m devastated. 3rd picture is after cleaning

 

[lorastorm]

Oh Maggie I'm so sorry, your poor cutie! I haven't dealt with anything like this personally, but yes, have hope! A mourning dove in our yard got his crop torn open (probably narrowly escaped a hawk), and I kept an eye out for him every day, assuming I'd have to pick him up and take him to the wildlife rehabber eventually -- I was wrong! I watched seeds pour out his neck initially (yikes), but day by day, the hole closed, until he just had a little dent in his feathers to show where the scar was.

Yes, keep your baby warm, clean, and isolated. I agree with you, I'd wrap it -- just keep a close eye on it for keeping it clean. I'd probably administer a round of antibiotics to keep it from getting infected, but some might think that's overkill. Hopefully some more chicken-y folks (I do quail) will come along with more chicken-y takes. Much love to you, you've both got this.