Hen comb won't stop bleeding after several hours

[NatJ]

What is the best way to clean all the blood off of her? She's coated Wasn't sure if a bath would be a good idea because she's already pretty stressed.

Do you need to clean it off? Or will she take care of it herself by preening over the next few days?

If the blood is likely to cause a problem for the chicken, then it can make sense to clean it off. But if it just makes her look ugly to human eyes, I would be inclined to leave it for now. Chickens seem to be quite good at cleaning themselves up from many kinds of messes if you just give them a few days to do it. (If she was covered in something toxic my advice would be different. But blood is not toxic.)

 

[CabritaChicks]

Cornstarch is the go-to for stopping bleeding—not baking soda or flour—because:

• Cornstarch helps blood clot by absorbing moisture and creating a seal over the wound, which slows bleeding quickly.
• It’s fine and gentle, making it safe for small cuts, especially in birds.
• Baking soda can irritate tissue and increase the rate of pecking from other birds, and flour doesn’t absorb as effectively nor clot well, plus it can carry bacteria causing further infection.

So—if your bird gets a nick —reach for the cornstarch.

 

[Bawkbok]

I meant to say cornstarch, not baking soda. Thanks for the correction and clarification.
It's just one of those days. Everything I touch seems to be turning to goo.

 

[newtomolting]

Do you need to clean it off? Or will she take care of it herself by preening over the next few days?

If the blood is likely to cause a problem for the chicken, then it can make sense to clean it off. But if it just makes her look ugly to human eyes, I would be inclined to leave it for now. Chickens seem to be quite good at cleaning themselves up from many kinds of messes if you just give them a few days to do it. (If she was covered in something toxic my advice would be different. But blood is not toxic.)

I have her in my office with me and I'm just...so close to vomiting from the blood smell. I'm keeping her separated until the comb heals up a bit, so not worried about other hens pecking her for now.

ETA: I can leave the blood for her to clean off, but I don't know how long I can handle the blood smell

 

[CabritaChicks]

I meant to say cornstarch, not baking soda. Thanks for the correction and clarification.
It's just one of those days. Everything I touch seems to be turning to goo.

I get it! I am supposed to be productive today. I am awaiting some cultures to grow and... well. Zero motivation on this Monday.

 

[newtomolting]

Okay, so here is the picture I was able to get!

 

[newtomolting]

Aside from looking super gruesome, she has been going to town on the food I've given her. So far she has eaten 8oz of duck crumbles (it's the highest protein we have on hand) and has drank a fair amount of water.

Just realized I should add some poultry cell to the water, so doing that now. And will give a fresh spritz of vetericyn.

 

[NatJ]

I have her in my office with me and I'm just...so close to vomiting from the blood smell. I'm keeping her separated until the comb heals up a bit, so not worried about other hens pecking her for now.

ETA: I can leave the blood for her to clean off, but I don't know how long I can handle the blood smell

Yes, that is a consideration.

In that case, maybe try a cloth with just plain water and wipe gently in the direction the feathers lie. That might remove enough to make a difference without stressing her as badly as a whole bath. If you use plain water, you don't have anything to rinse off her feathers at the end.

But since you say she's busy eating, I'd probably let her do that first

 

[NatJ]

Okay, so here is the picture I was able to get!

Does that mean her comb is smaller now? Since I think you were worried about the size of her comb, that might be a blessing in disguise, assuming it is able to heal up without infection or other trouble.

 

[cavemanrich]

I would allow the wound to dry up, and form a scab. Then wound heals under scab. Few days, and scab will fall off on its own.
I would just keep some clean gauze over wound to keep dirt out. Overapplying the Vetericyn keeps wound wet, and prevents scab from forming.