beach chick Posted July 21, 2010 Share Posted July 21, 2010 Chardonnay, my oldest girl, came through the fox attack 10 days ago. she was very shocked, and a bit 'off' ever since, but today is the first time I've been able to get hold of her (so she is pretty mobile!). eating, drinking, just a bit hunched. anyway, I finally got hold her today, and have found 2 healing wounds, one sort of where her wing joins the body and the other a bit lower down towards her bum. I have trimmed them both clear of feathers so I could have a better look, and they are well-scabbed, one a bit better than the other, but I would say they are healing up well. She's also got a daggy bum, so I've trimmed that as well - could be shock, could be she needs worming, more worried about the wounds. to be on the safe side, I now have her in the broody coop so I can keep a close eye on her. should I do anything else, eg try and clean the wounds a bit (seems a bit late...) and if so would salt water do or should I try and get some chicken antiseptic? - and if so what does anyone recommend? should I try and remove more feathers? I dont want to pull the scabs off if they are healing up properly as I think this would be painful and could open her to more infection, or leave her with an open wound which the others would go for. I do have some baytril, but again it seems a bit late for antibiotics. I really dont think she needs the vet, I think she'll come through without because she's made it this far, and weighing up the stress of a vet trip against peace and quiet in the broody cage, I think she's better where she is. any advice anyone please?? (not posting and running, got to head to school for youngest's leavers' assembly now...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted July 21, 2010 Share Posted July 21, 2010 One of my RIR decided to explore the garden a month or so ago and unfortunately she met my terriers (and lived to tell the tale!) so I recognise those symptoms! If there's no sign of infection by now, I'd leave well alone. If there's a doubt, you could try lifting a corner of a scab and press gently to see if any puss comes out. If there is infection (which I think is unlikely at this stage), she will probably need the vet for antibiotics. Mine had a daggy bum (aka dirty knickers) too, so I kept her trimmed (and added Herban to the water). It's more or less cleared up now and she's laying again, but I do think it was just a reaction to the shock of it all. If the others haven't been pecking her wounds, I wouldn't separate her as this will be stressful too. She sounds like a strong thing to survive the fox, so hopefully she's well on the road to recovery now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted July 21, 2010 Share Posted July 21, 2010 If the wounds look dry and aren't hot, red or swollen, I'd leave them be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beach chick Posted July 21, 2010 Author Share Posted July 21, 2010 great, thanks for that. I will release her from the broody coop then!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beach chick Posted July 21, 2010 Author Share Posted July 21, 2010 actually decided to keep her under lock and key for a day or so - broody coop is in the run so she is not excluded, and all the 'old' girls sit up near her anyway. I think a bit of enforced rest for a couple of days might help her heal better. plus I can keep an eye on her bottom!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted July 22, 2010 Share Posted July 22, 2010 You're best placed to make the call and it's good she's in sight and sound of the others so they remember who she is! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
