Wing ripped off of chick

[Ihavesomechickens]

I would apply neosporin and maybe some Vaseline on top then wrap in bandages or gauze. If you have the wing I would put it in the freezer to prevent decomposition and take wing and chick to a vet as soon as you can. Maybe the vet could do some sort of surgery to re attach the wing or maybe you could get them a prosthetic. If they can’t I would modify your coop it account for a handicapped chicken and maybe don’t let that chick free range as much, as it is a lot more prone to animal attacks if it can’t get away. I would also keep the chicks inside a run to prevent whatever ripped off that chicks wing from injuring other chicks.
If that chick survives I would live to see a prosthetic wing.

 

[Eric R]

If there's any bone sticking out at all, it needs to be inside the chicken. I'm not sure whether there is, from your description and pictures. Skin doesn't heal to bone, so it would be a constant opening for infection.

I will check again in the morning. I really couldn't tell but from the 2nd pic you can tell the joint cartilage is exposed. Will that be an issue as well?

 

[sylviethecochin]

the joint cartilage is exposed. Will that be an issue as well?

Yes. Can you rinse it really well with saline (1 tsp salt, 1 gal. sterile water) then tuck it inside? I would then pat the wound dry, then try to stitch or superglue the skin together over it. (Though I admit to never having been in quite this situation, so those are only ideas).

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

Yes. Can you rinse it really well with saline (1 tsp salt, 1 gal. sterile water) then tuck it inside? I would then pat the wound dry, then try to stitch or superglue the skin together over it. (Though I admit to never having been in quite this situation, so those are only ideas).

I would see if they have any medical glue at a local store to be a bit safer. Having superglue in their bloodstream might lead to more problems down the road. As for string I would take some fine thread that matches the feathers but is enough to stand out from the rest and maybe dip it in a thing of hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol.

 

[Eric R]

Update. Here is how it is healing. Skin and muscle are too far to try to cover the bone so my plan is to quickly cut the bone off at or below the base then clean the skin and glue shut. I know that sounds painful but it's better than it dying. The chick acts like normal and even fights for food so looks like this is a good healthy candidate for this surgery. Thoughts?

 

[sylviethecochin]

Update. Here is how it is healing. Skin and muscle are too far to try to cover the bone so my plan is to quickly cut the bone off at or below the base then clean the skin and glue shut. I know that sounds painful but it's better than it dying. The chick acts like normal and even fights for food so looks like this is a good healthy candidate for this surgery. Thoughts?

That's what I would do. I'd use dog toenail clippers, or very strong kitchen scissors, so as not to splinter the bone—something strong and sharp. It might start bleeding when you snip it off below the skin; I'd keep cornstarch on hand for that.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

Just wanted to wish you the very best with this chick! I'm curious to see how it does, so please update after the surgery. Warmest wishes and all the best!

 

[Eric R]

Dog toenail clippers were a great suggestion. Worked like a charm. I was able to stretch the skin down just enough to clip off the bone just below the skin. I applied peroxide, waited for the blood to stop, then applied liquid bandage. I didn't see any infection just a couple very small scabs that I removed before the surgery to get good blood flow and fresh raw tissue. Chick didn't even peep when I clipped the bone. Was up and eating immediately.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/A9vKFAUvFTL9TThz9

 

[Eric R]

This will be the last update. All healed up. She should be laying soon too. She's gotten used to having just one wing but looks ridiculous running across our property and flapping when stretching.

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

This will be the last update. All healed up. She should be laying soon too. She's gotten used to having just one wing but looks ridiculous running across our property and flapping when stretching.

She’s a beautiful bird. Good job on keeping her alive!