[Ben_H]

I was trying a bit of hen taming last night and picked up our Cotswold Legbar Matilda after a bit of hide and seek. While stroking her I was horrified to see spots of blood falling to the ground and looking down I could see splashes of the dark red stuff on my sweatshirt and shorts. I frantically started checking her over to see where it was coming from and couldn't understand why she was so calm. After about 5 minutes I discovered that it was actually my blood from a thorn that was sticking out of my arm. It is a small hole but bled profusely.

All I can say is thank goodness for vanish!

[joyfull]

you are lucky that she and the others didn't go frantic after the blood - anything red they love. Be careful that none of those thorns endu up in the chickens feet - this could lead to bumblefoot 

[Ben_H]

Twas a hawthorn and must have stuck me as I was rooting in the hedge trying to retrieve the hiding hen. Hopefully they will remain on the tree and not the floor (or in me  )

[joyfull]

I normally end up getting stung by nettles - why do my birds never eat those instead of my veg 

[Ben_H]

I purposefully removed all the nettles from the run whilst building it. I did discover a bit of regrowth last night when Matilda tried to hide behind it but didn't have any gloves handy plus I had her cornered so  wanted to to concentrate on grabbing her

[LittleRedHen]

Oh, I would have panicked too!  Glad you both are okay!

[ANHBUC]

Hope that you are up to date with your Tetanus jab.   

[Ben_H]

Last time I went for a booster I was informed that I'd had enough to last me a lifetime. Suits me as I don't like injections.

I'm being a bit of a wuss over this thorn though, I keep having to poke at it to see if I have got the tip out as it's rather swollen and red.

I do like having the hedge within the hen run but it did cause me a lot of thorn grief when putting in the fencing.

[ANHBUC]

Try putting a poltice on it to draw out any nasties left in.  We use unscented soap softened with preboiled water and mushed up with sugar.  Cover with a plaster or (gauze and bandage if you want to get some sympathy)!  Leave it on overnight if you can and it should work a treat.