Treatment of Fox wound on roo

[redkan]

Our 2 year old roo was attacked by a fox today, probably around 11AM so 8 hours ago, we actually thought we'd lost him because there are so many feathers on the lawn, but tonight when we went down to feed the rest of the animals he was back, albeit with a single tail feather and a very bald butt/tail area. In the area with no feathers we've found a single wound, about 1/2" long, not deep but most definately a "wound" rather than a scrape, the skin is broken and the top layer removed. I suspect its from a tooth as he got away but obviously can't be sure.

I did a little looking here and see that baxitrin is bad for chickens and that flushing it with saline is ok (good, I have plenty of that). First of all, is baxitrin the same as bacitracin? The only human first aid cream I have is triple antibiotic with bacitracin, polymyxin B sulfate and Neomycin sulfate. Is this ok or not?

In the barn for the horses I also have swat, betadine solution, wonder dust, BluKote and nitro-furazone.

Other than cleaning the wound and hugging him (already done until he started squirming) what should I do and not do?

Editing to add that he acts perfectly fine, even flying up on the wall and crowing to proclaim his presence to the world. He's always been a very friendly roo so allowing me to hug him is normal behavior for him. Also, reading the emergency guidelines, I plan on treating him myself, I usually do with all my critters unless it's beyond my scope.

 

[justusnak]

Awww, I am so glad he made it back, and in fairly good shape!
Yup, first you will want to rinse the wound. Saline, betadine...either one. Then if you have neosporin you could put that in the wound...however, if there is an open wound, you will want to Blue Kote it..that should help keep the others from pecking at it. Make sure you give him a littel squeeze from me when you do!

 

[jjthink]

Quiet, stress free area. If he had a favorite hen that would calm him, she can be with him unless she pecks at his injuries. If he stays with the others just make sure nobody is pecking at him.

FIVE 325 mg aspirin (NO SUBSTITUES) crushed per gallon of water for pain (he is in pain or sure will be by morning so start on this pronto!).

Neosporin has 3 main ingredients:
Neomycin Sulfate
Polymyxin B
Bacitracin Zinc
As noted above, this topical antibiotic can be applied. Or a generic brand - sounds like that might be what you have -with the SAME ingredients.
Don't use the kind with a 4th ingredient - for pain relief - unless you confirm the ingredient is safe for chickens.

Do anything you can think of to cheer him up so he has the will to heal - special treats, lots of soothing talk etc.

Hoping he will be just fine and that there are no internal injuries. When he's had a chance to calm down a bit you might want to check him really closely if you haven't yet.

JJ

 

[Solsken Farm]

Redkan. I am so sorry, but glad he made it. Based on the advice here about keeping him calm and trying to minimize his stress, I would advise not to bring him to chickenstock.

Poor guy. Poor you.

 

[redkan]

We just got back from cleaning the wounds with saline and yes, he has quite a few that we didn't notice on the first inspection. We cleaned them as best we can however he wasn't too keen on the worst of them being cleaned. I'll head back down to the barn and apply some Triple Antibiotic as well. He's on "his" wall and relatively calm, his girls are with him and all of them seem slightly on edge. I had planned on bringing him so people with more knowledge and experience could look at him but will not based on the advice I've received here.

Thank you all for your help!!! I've got a real soft spot for this guy and don't want anything to happen to him.

 

[redkan]

Quote:
Is this safe for the others as well? I can't imagine that I can force him to drink the water so would think leaving it for him would be best but also without taking him away from the others, which would stress him, I doubt I could keep them away from it.

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

Just as an aside...the fox could possibly have rabies. It's not likely...but certainly a possibility.

 

[Frozen Feathers]

Quote:
Birds can't get rabies, only mammals, so that shouldn't be an issue.

Sorry about your roo.

I hope he makes it, he's definitely got a lot of heart to come back after that!

 

[redkan]

Yes, I know it's a possibility although I suspect that more likely it was a kit learning to hunt. According to my neighbor, an adult fox won't miss and won't leave feathers. This one did both. Time for a Have-a-heart and a 22.

 

[jjthink]

Yes, you may leave the aspirin water out for everyone. If your roo likes watermelon or other absorbent fruit, you can dunk the fruit in the aspirin water before serving and it'll start to at least get a little into him.
JJ