Urgent help needed-pecking extreme

[_ss233]

I’ve had a recurring pecking problem with my hens. I resolved the original wound and have been checking her daily but today I found a large wound again tucked under her wing. I’m guessing this has been there and gone unnoticed until it progressed because I saw her this morning and did not see this. But this evening I checked her again after noticing blood on her wing and discovered this horrible injury.
I have her saddled and am working to find a crate to separate her but realistically, I need to know her outcome with it being this bad. Will she make it? What will it require to keep her alive and how do I reintroduce her once healed? All advice is welcome. I care deeply for her and have been very hands on in handling this. I’m shocked to say the least and very stressed.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Do you have Veterycin to wash it with? If not, sterile saline will do, which you can make yourself. Flush it thoroughly. Clip feathers away from it so they can't get caught in the wound and so that you can see what you're doing. Once clean, dab dry with a clean towel and smear with triple antibiotic ointment that does NOT contain pain reliever in it. You don't need to wrap it. Do you have a dog crate you can keep her in? Best if you can put her in the crate in the coop with the other chickens. Provide food, water, grit. Is she eating and drinking okay?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

If she's not eating, offer her some sugar water for shock. 1 tsp sugar, a pinch each of baking soda and salt dissolved in 1 c warm water. Hold some up to her beak so she can swallow. Chickens can survive some pretty nasty-looking wounds, they are amazing.

 

[_ss233]

Do you have Veterycin to wash it with? If not, sterile saline will do, which you can make yourself. Flush it thoroughly. Clip feathers away from it so they can't get caught in the wound and so that you can see what you're doing. Once clean, dab dry with a clean towel and smear with triple antibiotic ointment that does NOT contain pain reliever in it. You don't need to wrap it. Do you have a dog crate you can keep her in? Best if you can put her in the crate in the coop with the other chickens provide food, water, grit. Is she eating and drinking okay?

I did use veterycin on her this evening. As far as I’m noticing she is eating and drinking okay but this wound seemed to progress quickly within hours. I’m wondering how she will be tomorrow. I’m trying to track down a crate as we speak

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Do you have a rooster? Could his spurs have caused this?

If you can crate her in with the flock, she'll do better because she'll be less stressed, and you won't need to reintegrate her. You'll still need to treat her as described above twice a day.

 

[_ss233]

Do you have a rooster? Could his spurs have caused this?

If you can crate her in with the flock, she'll do better because she'll be less stressed, and you won't need to reintegrate her. You'll still need to treat her as described above twice a day.

No rooster. I haven’t been able to see who the culprit is either.

 

[_ss233]

If I do get a crate and put it in the run, can I let her out at night to roost with the rest of the flock?

Do you have a rooster? Could his spurs have caused this?

If you can crate her in with the flock, she'll do better because she'll be less stressed, and you won't need to reintegrate her. You'll still need to treat her as described above twice a day.

 

[Debbie292d]

Chickens don't usually peck under the wings. They go for the head, neck, vent, or the top of the wings, generally. Are you sure that wasn't caused from the saddle?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

If I do get a crate and put it in the run, can I let her out at night to roost with the rest of the flock?

How early can you get out to catch her, treat her and put her back in the crate? Do you know when the pecking (cannibalizing) is taking place?

I would not. I would keep her penned until she is fully healed, perhaps two to three weeks. Others may opine differently. The Educators will give you the best answers, so listen to them. I will tag some now.
@Eggcessive
@Wyorp Rock
@coach723

 

[BigBlueHen53]

@Debbie292d is an Educator, too!