What Do I Do?

[JessAnn1]

Ok, I am a newbie to this website forum, although I use this website alot for answers. I need some advice, this past september we got 4 bantam chicks and have been keeping them in a large crate in the coop with the rest of our flock. They have been in there since september so today we though that we would leave the door open so they could mingle with the other chickens. I thought all was well until I looked outside and saw the poor things outside in the cold snow. I went and got them and the little roosters comb was bleeding so we took care of that, and another hen had a large bald spot which was bleeding and looked pretty deep onthe back of her head, and the other 2 were alright. My question would be, what could I give her for pain? She is very (sleepy) looking and not very active. I am sure she is in a great deal of pain and I know that it is possible to use aspirin but since she is bleeding a bit I dont want to risk it. Why would this have happened in the first place? They have been in a crate where the rest of my flock can see them since september, they should have been used to the others right? UGH!, what do I do?

 

[jeslewmazer]

pecking order can lead to death sometimes. Standards don't always get along with bantams. I would wait a day before giving the aspirin. If the hen got pecked too hard she could have major damage. Keep them warm with water and food. Watch and make sure they eat and drink, if they don't you will have to feed them. Clean the wounds. Bactine has worked well for me even for large wounds for many years. If she is really bad her will to live will play a major part. The younger they are the harder it is on them too.

 

[danielnv]

I would put clove on the wound. It should help the pain. I would never use aspirin on human or animal, personally. That stuff causes bleeding.

 

[danielnv]

 

[JessAnn1]

Well, when I got up this morning she was alot more alert. She hasnt pooped yet so she obviously hasnt eaten yet. We did give her some water with a pinch of sugar in it just to give her something extra. She is still kind of blah though. We did clean the wound on her head last night and put some antibiotic ointment on it to help it heal. If she doesn't start eating or drinking on her own, how often should I do it for her? How do I feed her, what do I feed her if she doesn't eat her food on her own?

 

[Kittymomma]

You could try giving her some scrambled egg, it's a good protien treat and usually gets them interested in food again. If that doesn't work give her some wet cat food. It's not a good long-term food source, but it's been a lifesaver here for one hen that was going downhill and couldn't be convinced to eat anything else.