HELP ASAP Treating Burns

[jneddo76]

We lost our farm this morning here in VT and they managed to save 5 of our hens, three have some burns, any ideas for treating? I make an all organic ointment with different essential oils but not sure if any of the oils are toxic to them? Contains: Beeswax, Olive Oil, Tea Tree EO, Lavender EO, Lemon EO, Peppermint EO, & Eucalyptus EO. TYIA

 

[scratch'n'peck]

I'm so sorry about the fire. Some of those oils might be irritating to burned skin ( like I find Eucalyptus uncomfortable on even chapped skin.)

Aloe is backed up by research to help with burns. If there is any risk of infection, then triple antibiotic ointment like Neosporine is an option. Just so you know any pain reliving ingredient like benzocaine can be toxic to birds.

I hope you and the chickens recover from the fire okay.

 

[ten chicks]

We lost our farm this morning here in VT and they managed to save 5 of our hens, three have some burns, any ideas for treating? I make an all organic ointment with different essential oils but not sure if any of the oils are toxic to them? Contains: Beeswax, Olive Oil, Tea Tree EO, Lavender EO, Lemon EO, Peppermint EO, & Eucalyptus EO. TYIA

How severe are burns? No to essential oils,you do not want oil on a burn. Ointments/oils are usually a no as they can cause infections and anything with petroleum(ointments) tend to keep heat in(this is why it is used on combs in winter,insulates the heat in). Are burns first or second degree? To cool burns apply a cool(NO ICE) compress,this helps cool down skin by drawing heat away and out of burn.. If severe apply sterile gauze wrap loose,this helps keep air(painful to burned skin) off skin/burn,protects any blisters and help reduce pain. Never break blisters. Watch for infection,signs of infection are: redness/swelling/oozing from burns,etc.

Encourage drinking,give electrolytes for shock. For pain,you can either purchase Metacam from a vet or give a low dose aspirin(81mg) or a reg aspirin(325mg). Dose is 25mg per lb of body weight,give orally(wrap in a pce of meat or cheese) or dissolve one 325mg aspirin per gallon of water.

Keep birds warm,when ill/injured birds cannot regulate body temp,but depending where burns are on body will determine what type of heat to use. For example if burns are on back/head/combs/etc then perhaps a heat lamp is not a good idea as heat would be directed at burned area. I use a heated hot water bottle(wrapped in a pillowcase)this allows birds to sit beside/on or move away depending on their needs.

 

[Tumbleweed Farm]

I'm so sorry for your tragic loss. Please keep us posted on the hens and rebuilding your life. Prayers your way.

 

[Beekissed]

Please use castor oil...just give it a try and get back to us on it. It will soothe the pain and inflammation and keep infection from setting in, while encouraging quick skin/feather regrowth. You can find it at any pharmacy for cheap.

 

[Eggcessive]

Burns should be treated with silvadene ointment daily or twice a day after cleaning the burned skin with a disinfectant soap and warm water. Silvadene is available by prescription from a vet. I'm so sorry tohear about your devastating fire. Good luck to you and your family.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

Please use castor oil...just give it a try and get back to us on it. It will soothe the pain and inflammation and keep infection from setting in, while encouraging quick skin/feather regrowth. You can find it at any pharmacy for cheap.

I have read research about castor oil reducing inflammation. But I checked the Mayo Clinic web site and it did say that cooling the burn with sterile gauze and cool water is the first line of treatment. I know it is probably not easy to keep loose gauze on chickens. I hope the burns are not too bad. Are there blisters? Things like castor oil or aloe gel are more for after care for minor burns.

 

[Sarevan]

Burns should be treated with silvadene ointment daily or twice a day after cleaning the burned skin with a disinfectant soap and warm water. Silvadene is available by prescription from a vet. I'm so sorry tohear about your devastating fire. Good luck to you and your family.

I agree with Eggcessive on the use of silvadene ointment for the burns. I had a burn last fall and it was very soothing and didn't make the recovering skin feel tight and ache. I have a few tubes now I keep on hand for other emergencies, people and animals.

Sorry for your losses, having a fire at home is an experience I can relate to after a total loss fire in 1998. Thinking of you and sending good wishes that it is resolved quickly.

 

[Beekissed]

I have read research about castor oil reducing inflammation. But I checked the Mayo Clinic web site and it did say that cooling the burn with sterile gauze and cool water is the first line of treatment. I know it is probably not easy to keep loose gauze on chickens. I hope the burns are not too bad. Are there blisters? Things like castor oil or aloe gel are more for after care for minor burns.

That is so for directly after the burn while the tissues are still reacting...but it has now been hours after the burn and cool water and gauze time is past.

 

[jneddo76]

Thank you I saw this and slapped myself in the forehead, the aloe seems to be helping thank you. The balm I make is very low in EO's I use it all the time on chapped lips ect with no issues, but we have a giant aloe plant that I use for us. I was just in quite a panic on Monday.