New hens not going into Eglu Go Up

[Chuckov]

Help!! 3 of my 3 day old chicks have injuries....they are all running around outside now in the Eglu run when mum goes outside and I think they are getting a bit too close to mum when she is scratching around in the bark chippings and pecking bits of dirt...I have seen her fling one of them in the air when it got caught behind her leg.

 

The two boys both have grazes (1 on the foot, the other on the top of beak) which I have washed with warm water and puffed wound powder on.

 

One of the girls has a more serious injury and has a flap of skin hanging off the back of her leg, looks like it's been sliced downwards with something (a claw?) and looks potentially quite nasty - the spur is hanging off by a thread...I have washed and treated with wound powder but should I cover it with anything? If so what? Should I get it stitched? Please help!

 

Any other advice on keeping them out of harm's way? What can you do, if anything?

[Redwing]

It sounds like it would be hard to dress but soem guaze and a sliver of bandage may help with keeping the wound closed so it has a chance to heal

 

I doubt a vet would stitch such a small chick but you could ask I guess

 

if its serious it may be kinder to cull the chick

[The Dogmother]

Totally agree with Redwing.

 

Try a strip of Micropore over the cut to hold it in place.

[Chuckov]

Thanks for the advice - have got some Steristrips, will stick one of those on to hold things together.

 

Wound overnight looks nice and dry, and she seems to be moving about just like the other chicks (and is eating and drinking) so all appears well for now, although she is hanging back slightly I've noticed, whereas the others are right in there under their mum's beak! Maybe she's just figured out that you get hurt if you get in the way!

 

Will watch closely for any signs that she's got an infection, am guessing it will be obvious quite quickly as the little ones will have very little resistance.

 

Poor little thing! The hubby is prepared to do the deed if necessary Thanks guys!