Will this heal or should I euthanize?

[DownARiver12]

I have a 2 year old barred rock rooster that appears to have been attacked by a hawk. He is a big big boi so I’m assuming the hawk couldn’t take off with him. I’ve had him inside for about 2 weeks putting Smz cream on/in his two major wounds, but it doesn’t appear to be closing. I’m wondering if the holes are just too big? He has a difficult time walking but he hobbles around using his wings and to get food and water. He started trying to stand upright the other day and even tried to crow so he appears to be happy-ish. He eats and drinks well and poop looks normal. I don’t mind taking care of him and putting him somewhere he won’t be picked on if it will heal, but if it won’t heal then I’m worried I’m just prolonging the inevitable.

His wounds do not stink but they do look gnarly. Should I be doing something different to promote better healing? I’m doing the smz cream two to three times a day on the wounds.

Thanks in advance for help!

 

[Chicken_tiger_catt]

I've seen similar injuries before, on some meat birds that were part of my first flock. this could heal, but I really don't know if it will.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Hawk injuries can cause internal damage just from the velocity at which they impact the chicken. Also animals are very good at hiding illness/infirmity just as a means of survival. I would put a deadline on it and if they haven’t closed by then and he is still having mobility issues it might be time to end it. Someone with more wound experience may be able to help you with wound closure. I am going to tag a couple people and they might be the wrong ones but maybe they can tag the right ones
@Wyorp Rock @casportpony

 

[townchicks]

Those should heal, but after two weeks, you normally would be seeing signs of skin growth around the edges. That makes me wonder if perhaps you are cleaning it with hydrogen peroxide? That delays healing. Does the smz cream keep it moist all the time? You might switch to Neosporin instead, and see if that helps. I certainly would give him more time, if he is alert and eating and drinking.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Are you washing it twice daily? You can use Hibiclens or make your own sterile saline solution. When our hen was severely injured by a dog, I put saline in a spray bottle and sprayed her thoroughly twice daily rather than scrub her. She actually seemed to enjoy it. We followed that with gently blotting her dry with a clean cloth, then coating the wound with triple antibiotic ointment. Finally we sprayed it with Veterycin to seal it and keep it moist. Oh - the triple antibiotic should NOT have pain reliver in it. I understand that's toxic to chickens. Good luck with your boy!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have a 2 year old barred rock rooster that appears to have been attacked by a hawk. He is a big big boi so I’m assuming the hawk couldn’t take off with him. I’ve had him inside for about 2 weeks putting Smz cream on/in his two major wounds, but it doesn’t appear to be closing. I’m wondering if the holes are just too big? He has a difficult time walking but he hobbles around using his wings and to get food and water. He started trying to stand upright the other day and even tried to crow so he appears to be happy-ish. He eats and drinks well and poop looks normal. I don’t mind taking care of him and putting him somewhere he won’t be picked on if it will heal, but if it won’t heal then I’m worried I’m just prolonging the inevitable.

His wounds do not stink but they do look gnarly. Should I be doing something different to promote better healing? I’m doing the smz cream two to three times a day on the wounds.

It does look like the wounds are healing and granulating. It's going to take a good while for those to close up.
If he's eating/drinking and there's no signs of infection, then you may want to just continue with your care routine.

Usually, they will eventually grow feathers back in too.

Hawks drive down on their prey, so he may have suffered some nerve and internal damage as well. Trying to stand is good. If he's a big boy, then give him 1/2 tablet B-complex daily to help give him a boost.

Treats of protein rich foods like egg, sardines/mackerel or even a little beef a few times a week can make the diet interesting and promote healing as well.



While not a Hawk attack, this little hen suffered severe injury from dog. She survived and thrived and is now back with her flock. If you do find your rooster loses interest in eating, bring a couple of his favorite (or docile) hens in to see him and share a few bites of something good to eat. This often encourages a bird to continue on and they enjoy the interaction as well. (Or if the weather is nice, take him outside to a protected area and let the hens visit, enjoy some sun and fresh air for a little while.) You don't want him dust bathing until the wounds heal though, oh my, that's a mess trying to get dirt out of wounds (ask me how I know)

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/dog-attack-injury-graphic-pictures.1654172/