URGENT!!! CRUSHED CHICKEN!!!

[cls82]

We have 5 2 month old chicks and we are building their coop. These are our first chickens. A big gust of wing came and slammed down the gate on our youngest, favorite chicken, crushing her and now she is laying in the grass with her mouth open...when she walks she limps and her wings are hanging. I do not know what to do with her, but I do not want her to suffer is there some sort of medication I can give her, or do we need to just kill her? Update: I just checked on her and she is laying alone in the corner of the coop with her mouth open. I did not attempt to move her.

 

[BantamLover21]

We have 5 2 month old chicks and we are building their coop. These are our first chickens. A big gust of wing came and slammed down the gate on our youngest, favorite chicken, crushing her and now she is laying in the grass with her mouth open...when she walks she limps and her wings are hanging. I do not know what to do with her, but I do not want her to suffer is there some sort of medication I can give her, or do we need to just kill her? Update: I just checked on her and she is laying alone in the corner of the coop with her mouth open. I did not attempt to move her.

Her legs are probably bruised, and it is likely that she hs some damage to her internal organs and/or lungs. But I wouldn't kill her yet. Chickens have a remarkable ability to heal; there have been several stories on BYC about chickens who were crushed by something and lived. If you want, I would isolate her in her own warm, clean area. Give her some feed and water, and just let her rest. I am sorry that this happened to your chicken.

 

[girlsrock]

It is horrible but she cant tell you how she's feeling so you have to go by her behavior.

We lost our first duckling to a freak accident. It was different b/c she was killed instantly. I do not know of anything you can do for her. Maybe see how she is in a few hours. Sorry

 

[Veer67]

Once my mom stepped on one of my zebra finches and she died in her hands. I agree with BantamLover21, some of her internal organs could have been damaged, she might be able to live if it isn't too serious. So sorry this happened to your chicken

.

 

[dawg53]

Use an eyedropper to give her some sugar water to drink, dribble a few drops along side her beak to drink, dont force it in her mouth. If there isnt any improvement within 24 hours, most likely there's internal damage and she should be culled.

 

[cls82]

Thank you. I should note that when the gate fell down on her, we thought for sure she was dead, but when we lifted the gate, she ran out and to the corner of the yard and collapsed. She can walk, but limps pretty bad. I called a vet, but the nearest one is like 45 min away and my bf says we are not taking her. Sigh. Men. I am just worried she has internal damage. I am thinking I should bring her inside for a few days, but I worry that taking her away from the flock might stress her more.

 

[cls82]

Also, should I try giving her something for the pain? I heard you can give them aspirin.....

 

[dawg53]

I dont recommend giving her aspirin, there might be internal bleeding and aspirin would make it worse. Also, you want her to feel pain. Pain will prevent her from further making a bad injury worse...you dont want to mask the pain by giving her aspirin.
I have to agree w/ your boyfriend...vet = $$$ and most of them dont know anything about birds.
One last thing: If you dont keep her away from your other birds, they WILL try to eliminate her. She needs R&R, time heals if there's no internal injuries.

 

[ginnychick]

So sorry to hear about your chicken getting hurt! If you have health food store or a Whole Foods nearby, buy some Aconite 30 C You can dissolve a pellet in about 4oz of spring water (try not to use tap water) and can put a few drops as Dawg mentioned on her beak. Aconite helps with the initial shock experienced. I have been able to help revive several birds that have run into windows and were totally listless with it. Good luck.

 

[cls82]

I just moved her into the garage and am cooking her a scrambled egg in hopes that she will eat it. She is crying for the other chicks. She took a few steps and looked normal when I put her in, but quickly laid down and her mouth is still wide open. It breaks my heart because she is my favorite and I hate seeing her like this. I don't know what is best for her. I have never made eggs for them (I typically give them watermelon and oats) but I am guessing I cook the egg white and yolk and let it cool before I give it to her. Should I go get her some plain yogurt too? I have a sprouts nearby, which might substitute for the whole foods for the aconite.