When is it time to put down a chicken?

[suburbanchickies]

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.

My chicken had a similar injury from a fox, and she has made a full recovery. We gave her shots of penicillin, and I think that it kept her from getting infected. Chickens are surprisingly resilient. If she is in extreme pain, I would put her down, but if she seems to be fighting, I would try to nurse her back to health! Get penicillin (you can get it at stores like Tractor Supply) and they should give you instructions. Also, try to feed her yogurt and get antibiotic ointment without** anything ending in "caine."

 

[hysop]

T


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.

My chicken’s injury was must deeper and bloody and larger. With good cleaning and TLC she’ll push through.

 

[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.

Also, I wasn't sure how to do it humanely.

 

[suburbanchickies]

My chicken had a similar injury from a fox, and she has made a full recovery. We gave her shots of penicillin, and I think that it kept her from getting infected. Chickens are surprisingly resilient. If she is in extreme pain, I would put her down, but if she seems to be fighting, I would try to nurse her back to health! Get penicillin (you can get it at stores like Tractor Supply) and they should give you instructions. Also, try to feed her yogurt and get antibiotic ointment without** anything ending in "caine."

Also, I would keep her inside if possible in a dog cage so that the other hens don't peck at her. I hope she recovers!

 

[campyconnorsv2]

My chicken had a similar injury from a fox, and she has made a full recovery. We gave her shots of penicillin, and I think that it kept her from getting infected. Chickens are surprisingly resilient. If she is in extreme pain, I would put her down, but if she seems to be fighting, I would try to nurse her back to health! Get penicillin (you can get it at stores like Tractor Supply) and they should give you instructions. Also, try to feed her yogurt and get antibiotic ointment without** anything ending in "caine."

I have used Neosporin up till now. Do you think that will be ok?

 

[suburbanchickies]

I have used Neosporin up till now. Do you think that will be ok?

Neosporin is great! That's what I used. I also used the penicillin pictured below by giving her shots of it with a sterile needle, which I think saved her life because it kept sepsis from getting into her system. There is lots of information about how much and how to use it on chickens. As long as infection doesn't set in, she should heal well. My chicken also had a really hurt leg, and she doesn't even limp now!

 

[suburbanchickies]

Neosporin is great! That's what I used. I also used the penicillin pictured below by giving her shots of it with a sterile needle, which I think saved her life because it kept sepsis from getting into her system. There is lots of information about how much and how to use it on chickens. As long as infection doesn't set in, she should heal well. My chicken also had a really hurt leg, and she doesn't even limp now!
View attachment 2055200

I don't have any close up pictures of her wound, but here are some example pictures. She had a wound on her back and under her wing that looked really similar to the one on your chicken.