Update on my mauld chicken one week ago.

[Matildathegreat]

Matilda seems to be making progress. Her wounds have been healing, but now I have noticed her scratching at her head on the right side. I examined her wound and noticed the skin was getting inflamed and starting to pus. I also noticed that she has a small hole, in what I believe to be the first scab over, just above where the skin and muscle are still attached. It was beginning to pus out as well. I have been cleaning her everyday and applying the topical medications. I poured strait peroxide to her open wounds to get a good cleanse. Her wounds do not have a bad smell, so I think I caught this possible infection early She has also become more alert, is now just starting to peck food on her own, though I still feed her water and yogurt through a syringe. I have had her out with the other girls, with a closeful eye, and she is doing fine. She did get pecked by the #2 bird(Betty) but stood her ground and pecked back, proving that she was still the #1 hen in the flock. Betty backed down to my surprise, since Betty is the more aggressive hen in my flock of four. We still only let her roam with the other girls for about an hour or two during the day and then put her back in her personal condo( Dog kennel) at night. She does seem more alive when out with the girls, and it is hard to see her just sitting around in the cage. Her wounds still have a ways to go before she can be back with the flock full time. What are some of your suggestions or opinions on the pus and free ranging with the other hens?

 

[ten chicks]

Matilda seems to be making progress. Her wounds have been healing, but now I have noticed her scratching at her head on the right side. I examined her wound and noticed the skin was getting inflamed and starting to pus. I also noticed that she has a small hole, in what I believe to be the first scab over, just above where the skin and muscle are still attached. It was beginning to pus out as well. I have been cleaning her everyday and applying the topical medications. I poured strait peroxide to her open wounds to get a good cleanse. Her wounds do not have a bad smell, so I think I caught this possible infection early She has also become more alert, is now just starting to peck food on her own, though I still feed her water and yogurt through a syringe. I have had her out with the other girls, with a closeful eye, and she is doing fine. She did get pecked by the #2 bird(Betty) but stood her ground and pecked back, proving that she was still the #1 hen in the flock. Betty backed down to my surprise, since Betty is the more aggressive hen in my flock of four. We still only let her roam with the other girls for about an hour or two during the day and then put her back in her personal condo( Dog kennel) at night. She does seem more alive when out with the girls, and it is hard to see her just sitting around in the cage. Her wounds still have a ways to go before she can be back with the flock full time. What are some of your suggestions or opinions on the pus and free ranging with the other hens?

Yes,keep cleaning wounds couple of times a day, and applying topical medications. Have you tried vetericyn spray,cleans wounds and kills bacteria,excellent product. Infection was probably a result of Matilda scratching herself. I know it is hard to stop this,but worse case you might have to put a collar on her to prevent scratching wounds. Hopefully she will stop. As for free ranging,with supervision so that if any pecking starts you can get her out of there. A bit of free time with her girls is good,helps with depression. Keep her separate until wounds have had a little longer to heal.

 

[Matildathegreat]

Thanks for the ideas, I plan to try out the Vetericyn. Also, what about egg laying? The day of the attack, she left what I believe is called an Rubber Egg in the Kennel. Since then no egg laying what so ever. Could be from not being in a nesting box setting, could these eggs start backing up in her? How do you know if she has become egg bound?

 

[ten chicks]

Thanks for the ideas, I plan to try out the Vetericyn. Also, what about egg laying? The day of the attack, she left what I believe is called an Rubber Egg in the Kennel. Since then no egg laying what so ever. Could be from not being in a nesting box setting, could these eggs start backing up in her? How do you know if she has become egg bound?

Not laying eggs after any stressful event is normal. If a storm can cause no eggs for a couple of days. An attack/injury like this,who knows when she may get back to egg laying. I would guess no eggs until she feels better.

Some symptoms of egg bound walking funny,loss of appetite,not drinking,unusual sitting,abdominal straining(looks like trying to lay egg), no /wet droppings.

 

[Matildathegreat]

I noticed Matilda was scratching her wound more today. Both sides are getting red and showing signs of inflammation. So I decided to cut one of my toddlers sock and tubed it over her wound and neck. I am hoping this will deter her from scratching. I have noticed that she is not a big fan in the least of her new head and neck wear. She walks backwards and forwards bouncing her neck like she is trying to remove the sock. She is not very sturdy on the roost post flapping her wings and almost falling off the roost stick. She is also moving her beak like she is talking to herself. Can she be delusional? Or just tired and irritated?

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