FlyStrike + Hole Under Vent

[NCLayers]

I’m hoping someone can help!

One of our hens was acting lethargic, so I gave her an exam and found quite the scene on her bum. There was an infestation of maggots. I promptly moved her into the garage, cleaned the area, and removed the maggots. There was also something protruding from the hole. I confirmed it was NOT the vent. It appears the flies ate through her skin and the intestine is likely exposed.

She’s still pooping, although it’s runny. And she’s still eating and drinking.

I’ve started giving her warm baths to keep and clean and applying Vetericyne.

I have a picture after I cleaned of what is protruding.

Will this hole heal on its own?

Thanks!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Welcome To BYC

Sounds like you have taken care of her very well.

The wound will likely heal over given time.

 

[NCLayers]

Welcome To BYC

Sounds like you have taken care of her very well.

The wound will likely heal over given time.

Thanks for the supportive words.

Would you keep her separated from the flock until the wound is fully healed?

 

[Auntiejessi3]

Thanks for the supportive words.

Would you keep her separated from the flock until the wound is fully healed?

Absolutely, otherwise they will most likely peck at the wound

 

[NCLayers]

Absolutely, otherwise they will most likely peck at the wound

Got it. Last question

Would you keep her inside (garage)? Or in the coop but separated from the rest of the flock with her own food and water?

Thanks again!

 

[Auntiejessi3]

Got it. Last question

Would you keep her inside (garage)? Or in the coop but separated from the rest of the flock with her own food and water?

Thanks again!

I have never dealt with flystrike, but I would think somewhere flies can't get to the wound, at least until it scabs over. I did have a hen get "gloved" by a rooster, she stayed in a separated area in my run, I cleaned her laceration every day and packed it with neosporin, and didn't have any issues with flies. It scabbed over within a couple weeks. Hopefully someone with more experience with this will chime in.

 

[MiraBella Ranch]

Hi, Chickens' skin heals so fast once they are cleaned and resting. Early Bird's Flystrike wound was the size of a nickle and in only 3 days it was all closed up with new fresh pink skin. I sprayed her twice a day with Pet silver...for chickens. I think your chicken's butt will heal nicely and quickly...definately keep her isolated so she can rest and not have to posture like she's fine in front of her flock mates. They will bully anyone who is under the weather.

My concern (see my post) is are there other sicknesses and healing that these chickens need after a flystrike wound is healed? Are there internal issues that need to be taken care of? Does anyone know?

 

[Lillith37]

I think sometimes maggot eggs can keep hatching for a couple days after you first clean up the wound, so pay close attention and keep removing any that you see.