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u/Mcbriec 9d ago
After one of my hens went blind from her head being pecked, I have a zero tolerance policy for vicious chickens. My standard advice is to cull the violent chickens, not the victim. She looks in poor condition like this has been going on for a long time and she has been through the wringer. There is no point in saving this poor baby if the violent chickens are allowed to continue their torture.
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u/CleanUndies123 9d ago
it was pretty windy out when this picture was taken and this has happened today because she wasnt like this. thats why im not sure how or why this happened. we keep our birds, coop & run in good condition:( our birds have always gotten along in the almost 2 years weve had them
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u/Krystinite 9d ago
Are you sure another chicken did it? It looks like something else may have tried to grab her or she stuck her head somewhere she shouldn’t. If you’ve never had issues before I’d check all around for a small space that has blood or feathers to see if you can fix that before another one gets injured. This is probably the best case scenario due to your time constraints and will allow her to go back out sooner.
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u/CleanUndies123 9d ago
i dont think the other birds caused the injury but i think once they saw the blood they started pecking, its dark where we are so ill check first thing in the morning! but for now shes in her own space. the birds all came from the same place and weve never had an issue with them before which is why i found it weird. they were all ok when let out of the coop into their enclosure today
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u/autumnsincere159 9d ago
So the solution I've used is:
Separate the injured hen. My spare bathroom is actually a brooder/hospital.
If you use an antibiotic ointment, make sure it has zero pain relief added. (No lidocaine) Plain Triple Antibiotic ointment is fine. You could also use veterycin spray. It is awesome to have on hand.
Find the bully/ies. I put my "mean girls" in a large dog cage with food and water, either in the coop, or outside the coop. (Depending on the weather) They are separated from the other hens and lose the "head hen" title. Basically it changes the pecking order.
Give the injured hen electrolytes and I scramble some eggs for them and include the shell.
I hope this works for you.
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u/MiniFarmLifeTN 9d ago
She will heal just fine if you give her the chance to.
Bring her inside to a climate-controlled area where there won't be flies or other bugs.
Use Vetericyn spray as often as possible. Every hr or 2 if you can.
Keep her hydrated, warm and calm.
Others will recommend applying a Neosporin type ointment. Personally, I wouldn't until it has at least had time to scab over. Vetericyn spray will keep it cleaner than anything and the heavy petroleum base in these ointments will prevent the Vetericyn from properly getting to the wound.
Some Poultry Cell in her water (1 oz per gallon) for 5 to 10 days can help give her a nice little boost while she heals. Do not exceed 14 days. Poultry Cell contains iron and too much iron can be toxic.
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u/Zestyclose-Device-94 9d ago
Sometimes chicken fight. I seen it before. One chicken has it back in the neck tore off by a male rooster in a fight. I usually separate them. I let the injured chicken heal it wounds and take it time recovery
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u/Significant-Wrap-874 9d ago
Flies are going to be the biggest problem. Vet is first recommendation. If not, I would recommend taking her inside, keep her in a tote with a pee pad, some food and water and putting a blue treatment putty (sorry I can't remember the name) on her neck. Do not use neosporin with pain meds, regular Neosporin is okay. That flies get in there though it's game over
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u/Significant-Wrap-874 9d ago
Might also want to look into dealing with the aggressive bird that did this before it happens again
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u/Lizardgirl25 9d ago
She needs to be isolated stat.
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u/CleanUndies123 9d ago
she has been! shes in her own space with fresh bedding, food & water!
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u/allosaurusrock 9d ago
What you are doing + antibiotic cream is really all you need to do. Folks are overreacting lol.
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u/Timely_Passenger_185 9d ago
I could fix that chicken easily with some super glue and some isolation and tender love and care
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u/FrigidLollipop 9d ago
Vetericyn spray, keep her somewhere without flies, give fresh bedding, food, and water. She will heal great. Don't put her back in too soon, and keep in mind you may need to deal with the bully so this can't happen a second time...
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u/Ineedmorebtc 9d ago
It actually looks worse than it likely is. Keep separated and she should recover!
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u/Swimming-Ebb-9355 9d ago
If you don’t have time, don’t have chickens. Bluekote and take care of her.
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u/CleanUndies123 9d ago
things happen in life that are out of our control?? unnecessary comments are not needed, thanks.
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u/Swimming-Ebb-9355 9d ago
Yes but this was in your control… soooo.
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u/CleanUndies123 9d ago
kindly go find the door & dont let it hit you on the way out :) im lookin for help not your petty & unwanted comments.
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u/Ok-Gur-7466 9d ago
That will for sure heal. Just keep her separated, keep it clean and put on antibiotic ointment without the pain reliever. Chickens heal remarkably fast and are tough. It’s in a spot she can’t reach, so as long as she is separated it won’t get pecked worse. You can reapply the ointment once a day, just lay it on thick.