Tiny Gosling Impact Injury

[yellowbirchhomestead]

Hi Everyone, I am feeling like the worst mama ever this morning. I was changing the water for my little 4 day old goslings and dropped it and hit one of my babies. She fluttered and flapped a ton. There was blood coming from her beak. For the first half hour or so she was twitching her head a lot and rubbing her beak with her foot. She also looked like she was falling asleep (eyes closing, head slowly going down) - we were so afraid she was dying, but at this point I think she really was just needing a nap after a big fright. We let her alone to rest and now she seems honestly about normal. I've seen her drink, and nibble at a couple of things in the brooder like she's curious. She is still shaking her head some though, and I haven't seen her eat yet. There seems to be a small wound on the top of her beak. I'm afraid she got a hard whack to the head from the waterer (a quart mason). So my questions are this - is there any kind of disinfectant I can use on the wound to try to keep it from getting infected? (We'll be extra vigilant about keeping their water clean too.) Is there anything I can give her that is a general health boost? (eg When I have an injured/sick hen I give her cider vinegar in her water.) Anything else to support her/keep an eye out for? I think we will also give her some extra snuggle time so she can get good naps without the bustle of her siblings waking her up.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Sounds more like it probably got a concussion from the impact, or at least knocked out. I wouldn't do anything for the wound except change the water more often. Make sure to use something where it can submerge it's bill fully. Chick waterers are often not deep enough. A container with a hole cut in the lid works well for geese.

Don't think there is much else you can do. It should recover after a bit.

 

[yellowbirchhomestead]

Sounds more like it probably got a concussion from the impact, or at least knocked out. I wouldn't do anything for the wound except change the water more often. Make sure to use something where it can submerge it's bill fully. Chick waterers are often not deep enough. A container with a hole cut in the lid works well for geese.

Don't think there is much else you can do. It should recover after a bit.

Thanks. Concussion was on my mind as well. I appreciate your thoughts on this one!