What to do with an injured hen?

[wendyrow]

Well I am not quite sure what happened to one of our hens, although there are definitely hawks in the area, but she has a very bloody area on her back.

I haven't probed to see how deep, as it looks pretty painful and bloody-though not gushing. My husband noted it first and when i went to check on her she was in one of the coop's laying boxes ? maybe laying. Do I attempt to clean it and put antibiotics on it? Isolate her so she doesn't get pecked at? We have placed over our run string that runs vertical and horizontal to dissuade any hawks from coming in, but maybe some determined and hungry hawk made it....we'll have to reassess. Any comments or suggestions for the hurting hen would be appreciated!!!

 

[suzettex5]

You could try using a warm wash cloth to lightly wipe the area to get rid of some of the dirt and debris. Then you can use neosporin- NON-pain relieving kind- and appl generously. I would isolate her, other chickens will peck at her sores as they are attracted to the color red and sometimes will go after a 'weak' flock mate.

You can put her in a box or dog crate with food and water, maybe get her some powdered electrolite solution for her water, it will help her feel better. Feed her scramled eggs if she is not feeling like eating. Keep her isolated till she is mostly healed or she could get infected or picked on by other hens.

Good luck and I hope she feels better soon.

 

[Miss Lydia]

sorry this has happened to your hen, just as suzettex5 says keep her isolated till she heals, try to trim her feathers around the wound so you can see it better to determine how bad and clean well with saline or salty water then use neosporin. Also

 

[noodleroo]

Quote:
Exactly. You will be amazed at how well your chicken will heal with very little fuss. Just keep her clean with food and water and away from the other chickens.

 

[wendyrow]

Thank you all for your replies. We have neosporin-ed her and she is eating and drinking in a dog crate we have. Looks like the bleeding has stopped, too. So I think she is going to make a recovery. Thank you thank you!!!