Two-week-old chick severely pecked by broody hen - HELP!

[TXchickmum]

Our Japanese Bantam went broody about five weeks ago. Two weeks ago we placed a newly hatched chick under her which she has been caring for wonderfully. About a week ago, our OEGB went broody. On a few occasions (when she briefly leaves her nest) she has pecked at the chick, but mama tries to protect it. All of the chickens roamed the lawn this morning, went back to their run whilst we attended church, and all was well.....until we arrived home. When I went to open the run, the chick didn't want to come out. Upon inspection, I noticed that her neck and head had been pecked severely. It was fairly well stripped of feather/fluff, was raw, and had two bloody gashes. -brought mama and chick indoors and they seem to be fine. Question: How long should they remain separated/indoors? Can an injury be life-threatening and the chick still be carrying on as normal? The chick is eating, drinking, scratching around and currently nestled under mama's wing. I put some antibiotic ointment on it and think it at least needs to heal over before returning outdoors due to flies/possibility of infection. -just not sure how long this might take? Suggestions???

 

[Judy]

I agree, she needs to stay inside til healed, both because of flies and to prevent others from pecking the wounds. Chickens are very good at hiding injuries.

 

[TXchickmum]

I've got her mom with her. (They are roosting in their nest box - from the coop - in a very large dog crate in my room) I'm going to keep mom with her as long as she is caring for her and not pecking at her. Thus far, she has not tried to peck at her or push her away. She's been calling her to food and letting her climb under the wing. I'm taking this as a good sign.

 

[centrarchid]

Hens pecking at each others chicks indicates confinement is too tight. My general practice is to isolate hens with chicks from confined flocks as it greatly enhances survival rate of chicks. Additionally, chicks confined are exposed to higher risk of parasite burdens that will exceed their immune systems ability to adapt. Isolated with mother they will still get exposure although at a slower rate allowing immune system to adjust thus preventing health issues.

 

[TXchickmum]

I would have to agree. I thought they had plenty of space initially - 80 sq. feet of run space for two bantam hens and a chick plus about 40 sq. feet of coop space for the bantam trio. Also, they roam freely for several hours per day without confinement. (I have never experienced birds picking on each other before, but haven't had a broody and chick either.) I will definitely keep mom and chick separated until the chick is healed and feathered out well. -will reintroduce in a few weeks. Should they have any brief, carefully supervised time on the green lawn in a few days or remain completely indoors??

 

[Eggcessive]

Actually I would try to get them back out in the coop when baby chick's wound scabs over, but to stay in a dog crate with Mom. That way baby will be exposed to hen germs to develope immunity from things like coccidia, and for Mom and baby to stay in the flock without re-introducing. Get some Blu-Kote to spray on chick's wound to keep others from pecking including Mom. It contains both alcohol and gentian violet an anti-fungal that colors everything blue to disquise wounds.

 

[TXchickmum]

I hesitate to keep them tightly confined inside the coop due to temps nearing 100 degrees. It does have four large windows and an open wall of hardware cloth. -is underneath a large oak tree, but still heats up during the day pretty well. The chickens only go indoors to lay or roost. They stay out in the run underneath the shade with a breeze (and fan), or roaming the lawn with plenty of good cool places to dust and seek shelter from the heat. You do make a very good point. -and, yes, I don't want to keep them isolated too long. There is only one other hen that they will be in contact with/have to be reintroduced to. Our bantams are separated at all times from the 7 standard hens except when foraging on a large lawn. (They are supervised during this time due to healthy hawk population.)

Is Blu-Kote similar to rooster booster?? (Lanabiotic is on there right now, but I will definitely check into the Blu-Kote. Thank you!)

 

[centrarchid]

As far as I would be concerned, the wound is not an issue with respect to time outside.

 

[TXchickmum]

Thank you. I will let them out under a watchful eye for brief periods to forage. (The little one was becoming quite adept at imitating mom and finding good food outdoors.) -just don't want flies/infection, and if left out too long the little one is sure to follow mom to a good dust bath locale which won't be a good thing for a healing wound.