Wing ripped off by predator. Will it be OK?!

[carolynh1]

Our chickens had their first night in their coop outside and we learned quickly that we needed to make it more secure. One chicken is completely missing. Blood drops on all bottom wood boards of the run and a few feathers on each side of it. I didn't notice until the next day that one of the other chickens has a wing completely ripped off. She is acting pretty normal and it is a clean (no blood, oozing, or weird smell) break, but it is a huge hole where here wing was and lots of broken bones, muscles (whatever is in there). Will she be OK or destined for an infection? Is she safe around the other chickens?

Our coop did not have wire under the run but there weren't any noticeable holes dug under. I found that if you press in the bottom of the door to the run it can make a few inch opening so something small could have pushed through there. Based on the blood and feathers all around the coop it looks like something was inside trying all over the bottom of the coop to pull the chicken out or it was chasing it around while it was bleeding? We ran wire all along the bottom, reinforced the wire, and put a slip lock on the bottom of the gate as well so it can not be pushed in. I think it is safe now, but will the 1 wing chicken be ok?!

 

[Imp]

I've seen other posts about 1 winged birds. I think it will be OK if you can get it healed without infection. I would recommend a vet if possible. If not there is some good info here, especially 3 horses post # 16:



https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=203024

Good luck,

Imp

 

[carolynh1]

Just to update (for anyone else who might experience a similar trauma). We visited the vet who was very surprised our tough chick was doing so well- acting, eating and drinking normal. She even flies with her one wing. She said she seemed to be doing well and would probably be fine as long as she doesn't get an infection. We took antibiotics home to give her morning and night for 10 days to handle and immediate infection. The vet however, was very concerned because there is some exposed bone which opens her up to possible infections for quite a long time. She strongly suggested to have a proper amputation so the exposed bone would not keep her at risk. Unfortunately at a $600 price tag it is not reasonable for us to do

I feel this chick is a trooper and will pull though just fine. I understand that we are taking our chances, but there really is not other option at that expense. Thank you again for the suggestions!

 

[Imp]

Glad to hear that she's doing OK so far. I'll keep fingers crossed for her.

Imp

 

[Aframechickens191]

wow. Id like to see a pic or 2 of that amazing hen!!! I would separate her from the flock until she heals well enough that they dont pick or brush up against it and spread bacteria. she must be one hell of a tough bird! im pullin for her!

 

[turtlynne]

Hope your chick is doing OK - one of mine backed up to the chain link fence - or 'sided up to it' - and Trusty , one of my Jack Russells got her wing thru the fence - I had to nip some sharp bone ends with a large toenail clipper and kept gentian violet on the site for about 2 wks - fed her extra protein every day - worms, mealworms and cat food - and she is STILL my best layer!! Go Biffy!! this all happened about 6 wks ago and she is about 1yr old...needless to say the chain link has been reinforced with particle board and lattice and we hope for no more incidences!

 

[mikeksfarmer]

I am very sorry for your loss and the damage to your hen. I am suffering similar from raccoons. Tis the season! Mauled two ducks and completly ate one. One duck has a wing hanging off; He can move it some but its very nasty looking and I can tell he feels bad. Its always a good sign when you see them eating and drinking. He has even been in the duck bath. Dont stop with; will it live?, prevent any further attacks by trapping raccoons and reinforceing the wire to protect your birds= pets/ live stock. If you got one raccoon you have ten! Good luck its a reguar and constant battle for me.

 

[geckobass5]

Please keep after her. I'm glad to see she seems to be toughing it out. Please reinforce her area, I'd hate to find out that she pulls through and then gets taken. It's got to be a terrible thing to deal with. Good luck!

 

[michaelabutt93]

Hope your chick is doing OK - one of mine backed up to the chain link fence - or 'sided up to it' - and Trusty , one of my Jack Russells got her wing thru the fence - I had to nip some sharp bone ends with a large toenail clipper and kept gentian violet on the site for about 2 wks - fed her extra protein every day - worms, mealworms and cat food - and she is STILL my best layer!! Go Biffy!! this all happened about 6 wks ago and she is about 1yr old...needless to say the chain link has been reinforced with particle board and lattice and we hope for no more incidences!

Did the bone remain visible? I have a younger hen that was attacked and the right humerus is sticking straight out.

 

[picklestheduck]

Did the bone remain visible? I have a younger hen that was attacked and the right humerus is sticking straight out.

This is a very old post unfortunately, I would suggest making a new post if not already.