Accidents, predators and fights can leave chickens injured; knowing which foods to give an injured chicken will speed their recovery time.
Keep the injured chicken hydrated – water helps regulate body temperature and aid digestion, plus its natural antimicrobial properties can offer relief to an injured chicken. Garlic can also be added for its extra antibiotic properties.
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Feeding
Chickens have very thin skins that can easily be injured through fighting, predators or other chickens – which may result in infection and loss of appetite.
As soon as your sick chicken becomes unwell, isolate her to prevent spreading whatever bug may be present to the rest of your flock. Simply placing her in the garage or shed will do. She requires warmth, quiet and rest to heal properly so any disruption or disturbance could only add stress.
Be sure to offer her tasty foods she will eat, such as scrambled eggs, applesauce, human-grade cooked chicken, mealworms, fresh or frozen/thawed corn and yogurt with ivermectin (for gapeworm) mixed in. She should also receive plenty of water – sugary or electrolyte drinks can help hydrate her better; using a water dispenser or medicine dropper makes giving her what she needs easier.
Cleansing
After experiencing an injury, it’s crucial that the wound be cleaned quickly in order to avoid infection. You can either purchase a saline solution from the first aid section or create one yourself by pouring or squirting water onto the wound site. Tweezers may be necessary for pulling any debris stuck within. In certain instances, broken toes or internal injuries require splinting which you can create yourself from pipe cleaners or strips of ace bandages.
Young chicks often produce runny poop that clings to their vents and fluffy butts, potentially killing them if left alone. Gently cleaning their vents with a cotton swab will prevent this from occurring; adding yogurt to their water can introduce beneficial bacteria which also help stop this runny poop problem.
Isolating an injured chicken will alleviate stress and enable her to rest and heal faster. Create a recovery space away from other flock members; rabbit hutches, collapsible wire dog crates or even tubs lined with towels are suitable options.
Isolating
Chickens have thin skins and injuries can occur quickly; but with early intervention and appropriate first aid supplies on hand, you can help your feathered friend recover more quickly!
When an injured chick or pullet (female chicken) comes under your care, you must observe them closely and assess the situation. Look out for symptoms like limping, blood, lack of appetite and other indications they aren’t well.
Immediately stop bleeding with Kwik Stop; any styptic powder or cornstarch should work just as effectively.
Next, isolate the chicken. Isolation will help prevent disease transmission to other flock members while protecting it from bullies. Place injured birds into a quiet and warm space such as a dog crate or rabbit hutch to recover more efficiently – remembering that chickens spend around 70% of their energy keeping warm; sick chickens need all their energy focused towards getting better!
Treating
Chickens have an amazing ability to heal rapidly from wounds, thanks to their own immune system. However, it’s essential that an injured bird remains warm and well fed during this process.
When possible, isolate the chicken until it has fully recovered from illness or injury to help prevent its spread and from unwanted pecking from its flock mates. A dog crate or rabbit cage are great ways to quarantine sick or injured chickens.
Rather, use a dropper or syringe to administer fluid or electrolyte solutions directly onto her beak using fluid droppers or syringes. Nutri-Drench may help encourage drinking. Avoid offering herbs, garlic, dewormers or any other treatments which might obstruct healing efforts.
