When is it time to put down a chicken?

[campyconnorsv2]

Hey all,

Wish I didn’t have to deal with this, but unfortunately one of my dogs slid through a hole in the fence and got one of our chickens. We saw it happen so we were able to get him out of there with as little damage as possible. Sadly, the damage he did do was pretty significant. He was only able to get one chicken, but he grabbed her first by the leg, then was able to grab her back and pull out a ton of feathers. I didn’t see the full extent of the damage at first. But when I did, it frankly looks like she had been scalped. Muscles and tendons are visible and her outer layer of skin was ripped clean off. Her leg took some damage as well, and she is having trouble standing. She’s currently in the garage in a pen. She moved a decent bit last night while still in shock, but hasn’t moved at all today. It’s possible she had some water, but defiantly did not eat. At the end of the day I am worried we are doing more harm than good. Would it be a better idea to see if she recovers? Or should we end this now? I am worried this is going to end with her dead either way, but one way with much more suffering. If anyone has been in this position or a similar one, what do you think I should do?

Photos of her back are attached

Thanks for your help and support guys.

 

[Eggcessive]

Photos are always helpful, no matter how graphic. Only you will know when it is time to end any suffering. Wounds have a way of healing in chickens, but it depends on how much skin is gone, and if there is any internal damage. Feathers can brow back, but puncture wounds make get infected. Cleaning wounds with Vetericyn or a similar disinfectant or plain soap and water, and then applying some plain antibiotic ointment twice a day are good. Chickens can be very stoic, but if she seems to be suffering at any time, I would think of putting her down. You could give it a day or two, and see how she does, but we will support you with whatever you do. And offer assistance.

 

[campyconnorsv2]

Photos are always helpful, no matter how graphic. Only you will know when it is time to end any suffering. Wounds have a way of healing in chickens, but it depends on how much skin is gone, and if there is any internal damage. Feathers can brow back, but puncture wounds make get infected. Cleaning wounds with Vetericyn or a similar disinfectant or plain soap and water, and then applying some plain antibiotic ointment twice a day are good. Chickens can be very stoic, but if she seems to be suffering at any time, I would think of putting her down. You could give it a day or two, and see how she does, but we will support you with whatever you do. And offer assistance.

I will get them uploaded right now

 

[hysop]

Hey all,

Wish I didn’t have to deal with this, but unfortunately one of my dogs slid through a hole in the fence and got one of our chickens. We saw it happen so we were able to get him out of there with as little damage as possible. Sadly, the damage he did do was pretty significant. He was only able to get one chicken, but he grabbed her first by the leg, then was able to grab her back and pull out a ton of feathers. I didn’t see the full extent of the damage at first. But when I did, it frankly looks like she had been scalped. Muscles and tendons are visible and her outer layer of skin was ripped clean off. Her leg took some damage as well, and she is having trouble standing. She’s currently in the garage in a pen. She moved a decent bit last night while still in shock, but hasn’t moved at all today. It’s possible she had some water, but defiantly did not eat. At the end of the day I am worried we are doing more harm than good. Would it be a better idea to see if she recovers? Or should we end this now? I am worried this is going to end with her dead either way, but one way with much more suffering. If anyone has been in this position or a similar one, what do you think I should do?

I can attach photos need be but I figured they were too grizzly to post here.

Thanks for your help and support guys.

I wish I had taken photos when a stray killed one and injured two. One was fine healing with the flock but the second was missing flesh and my husband wanted to put her down. I convinced him to please give her a chance and we bought some stuff to put on her and she healed within a weak. Not 100% but enough that she wanted to go back to be with her friends. She is still alive all these years later. The wound looked bad. My husband was the one who took care of her so I have no idea if she ate right away or if it took a couple days. She definitely was in pain for a while.

 

[hysop]

Okay called my husband and he said our injured chicken at the time did not even as much as MOVE for a few days. So definitely didn’t drink or eat for a few days, but after the initial days and cleaning her and changing dirty bandages, she healed right up. But pictures will help and I’ll let you know if my chicken’s injury was similar.

 

[Jac Jac]

Hey all,

Wish I didn’t have to deal with this, but unfortunately one of my dogs slid through a hole in the fence and got one of our chickens. We saw it happen so we were able to get him out of there with as little damage as possible. Sadly, the damage he did do was pretty significant. He was only able to get one chicken, but he grabbed her first by the leg, then was able to grab her back and pull out a ton of feathers. I didn’t see the full extent of the damage at first. But when I did, it frankly looks like she had been scalped. Muscles and tendons are visible and her outer layer of skin was ripped clean off. Her leg took some damage as well, and she is having trouble standing. She’s currently in the garage in a pen. She moved a decent bit last night while still in shock, but hasn’t moved at all today. It’s possible she had some water, but defiantly did not eat. At the end of the day I am worried we are doing more harm than good. Would it be a better idea to see if she recovers? Or should we end this now? I am worried this is going to end with her dead either way, but one way with much more suffering. If anyone has been in this position or a similar one, what do you think I should do?

Photos of her back are attached

Thanks for your help and support guys.

Praying your little fluffy butt recovers without too much distress and soon. My heart goes out to you and your family as you care for this precious one. Keep your chin up - it will be alright.

 

[campyconnorsv2]

T

Okay called my husband and he said our injured chicken at the time did not even as much as MOVE for a few days. So definitely didn’t drink or eat for a few days, but after the initial days and cleaning her and changing dirty bandages, she healed right up. But pictures will help and I’ll let you know if my chicken’s injury was similar.

that’s actually good to hear. I think she might’ve even had some water today. The pics should be up by now. I uploaded them a few minutes ago. Here’s the main one as well.

 

[Chickenlover0810]

where is the injury located

 

[Friendly_Lurker]

I've never put down a bird, even when I probably should have. I just couldn't do it. But they are very resiliant.

 

[campyconnorsv2]

where is the injury located

Her upper back