What should I put on wound to keep other chickens from pecking

[Love my Critters!]

I have a 2 year old silkie roo that was attacked by a stray dog on Saturday afternoon. Luckily my husband was outside, heard/saw it, and was able to save the rooster and get rid of the dog. He has some gashes on his back and is missing all of his tail feathers and back feathers. Is there anything I can put on the wounds so the others won't peck at them? It gets warm here in the day time and I would like to let him go out with the others free ranging during the day ( I will still bring him in at night since he is pretty bald). Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. What about an apron?

 

[NeeleysAVLChicks]

You need some Blu-Kote, its a dark blue/purplish spray that works as an antibiotic and masks the flesh/red parts to keep others from pecking. You can find it at any feed type store, pretty inexpensive too. Be careful though in applying, you will end up blue and its hard to get off! Good luck!

 

[gritsar]

I'm a big believer in using pine tar on wounds. It both helps the wound to heal - it has antiseptic & germicidal properties - and chickens hate the taste of it, so they won't peck at it more than once. The only place I wouldn't use it is on the face or where it could run into the eyes.
If you can get the roo to wear an apron, it wouldn't hurt, would probably help.

 

[Love my Critters!]

Thanks for the quick replies! I was wondering about picking up some blu-kote from the feed store, I just couldn't remember if it was ok to use on chickens. I haven't heard of pine tar but I will check that out as well. Thanks again.

 

[NeeleysAVLChicks]

Quote:
Hey Grit, where do you get your pine tar? My GD used to swear by it and I've always meant to give it a try, but don't know where to find it.

 

[dkosh]

I use pine tar all the time and I get it at the feed store. It will also ruin your clothes so be careful.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Hey Grit, where do you get your pine tar? My GD used to swear by it and I've always meant to give it a try, but don't know where to find it.

At the feed store, in the equine (horse) section. It's used as a dressing on horses hooves. Pay no attention to the caution on the label that says "not for internal consumption". The chickens won't eat enough of it to hurt them.