[boybrown]

Hi Folks,

Unfortunately a fox took two of my girls this morning and had a damn good go at one of my others. She very traumatised bless her. I checked her over and appears no broken bones although she has a tear on her back (about half an inch square). I've washed it with saline water and have applied sudacrem (I'll take it off tomorrow to allow the air into it). Is there anything else I should be doing? I've put her in the nest box instead of the roost for tonight and fingers crossed she'll still be with us in the morning. My main concern is infection but also whether the tear should be stitched?

As always, your advice is welcomed!

[Tony H]

you could try putting purple spray on it or a bit of mild antiseptic cream other than that you have done all you can rest is best  :blink:

[sally10]

When one of mine had a very deep injury I put some antibacterial powder on which you can buy from the pet shop, I find it really good as you can just tap/sprinkle some on without having to touch the wound. It keeps it clean and it dries the wound up nicely, it's not very expensive and handy to have in.
Sending healing vibes your way xxx

[sally10]

Oh and keep her away from any others as they will attack her and start pecking her which will make it worse xx

[pekinpete]

i don't know if other members have tried but i find stockholm tar is ideal not only does it seal wound but is also a good antiseptic  like other suggestions i would still seperate bird.

[penninehillbilly]

I would think my main concern would be shock. She may be better brought in and kept warm tonight.
It's amazing the skin injuries they can survive. one of mine had a huge rip under her wing from the cockerel, then she'd dustbathed and it was a pocket FULL of soil. I washed it out, probably with something like dettol, and pressed the skin back to the flesh. It healed over really well, I was amazed at how she recovered.

[boybrown]

Hi Folks,

Thanks for all the suggestions, unfortuantely Marge didn't make it through the night 

[penninehillbilly]

Sorry to hear that, 

[Lindeggs]

Oh, sorry to hear about Marge and your other hens.    You did your best for Marge but obviously the shock/injury was too much for her. 

Do you have other hens?  How are they doing after the stress of the attack?

[boybrown]

I have four other girls and they seem to be settling down thankfully and no signs of injury on them. Poor old Marge was absolutely traumatised so I'm not surprised she didn't make it although it's still really sad. Thanks to everyone for the replies. Next time I post hopefully it will be with good news and not sad !