Wanted - Eglu Cube Mk1 Roosting Bars

[bladette]

About two hours ago a friends dog accidentally got into our garden. Although the chickens were in their run they were very distressed by the dog's presence and major flapping and feather flying ensued.

We let them out to calm down but noticed one of them was bleeding from the top of her beak. It appears she has sliced it in the wire netting. She is also wheezing and sneezing. She hasn't made any other noises. The others are now happily eating again but she is just standing looking sorry for herself. Would people advise a trip to the vet or could it just be the trauma and shock.

Thanks

[Olly]

It could just be shock, but shock can be quite severe for birds. If she's bleeding, isolate her from the other birds as they will peck at it, so in that case I'd put her in a cat basket or a cardboard box and perhaps keep her indoors overnight. If she is not bleeding, then I'd leave her with the others but just keep an eye on her to see that she is perking up. If she doesn't improve then a trip to the vets might be in order just to check there's no other damage.

[bladette]

Thank you. She did seem to perk up a bit last night, saw her eating and drinking. She has laid this morning and has been up and about briefly for a drink but is now just sitting in the nest box, others are out in the garden basking in the sun. The most worrying thing is that she seems to have her beak open most of the time, not making any 'chicken' noises but sounds a bit squeaky/wheezy - best description I can think of is a pair of bellows with a hole in! The bleeding stopped quite quickly so that wasn't a problem. Feel so helpless but keeping an eye and may nip to vets later.

Thank you.

[Groovychook]

Hope your girl has recovered and is feeling a little better today.