Treating Wounds

Dogs are the No. 1 killer of backyard chickens, followed closely by foxes, raccoons and hawks. Whether your own dog, a neighbor’s dog or a stray, it’s very probable that at some time in your stint as a backyard chicken-keeper, you will be faced with having to treat wounds caused by a predator.

Of course, a trip to the vet is always the recommended course of action, especially if you suspect shock, broken bones or internal injuries, or see excessive blood loss or deep puncture wounds.

For minor wounds, scrapes, lacerations, lost feathers and the like, or until you can get to your vet to have more serious injuries treated, at-home treatment is often sufficient. Quick action can often save your chicken’s life.

In the event of an attack, bring the injured hen inside somewhere warm and quiet and give it a quick once-over to assess the damage. Call the vet if that’s the route you choose to take, then clean the wounds as best as you can with saline solution. If blood is flowing, apply a generous amount of cornstarch directly to the wound to stop the bleeding as quickly as possible.

If treating the victim at home, apply honey to any visible wounds and loosely cover them with gauze and a bandage to keep the area clean. Reapply the dressing two to three times a day until the wound is healed. Supplement your patient’s diet with plenty of oregano, oregano oil and cinnamon to prevent infection, probiotics to build good bacteria, and garlic and apple cider vinegar to boost the immune system. Keep the injured hen separated until the wounds have healed, and then be sure to add her back to the flock only after reintroducing her for a week or so behind fencing or in a small pen inside the run, to allow everyone to get used to her again and for her to find her place in the pecking order.