Hi,
This is my first posting here. I am trying to nurse a pet hen back from a fox attack that ocurred about 5 hours ago. I saw the fox stealing this hen from my yard, yelled like a banshee, and the fox dropped the hen. Poor thing has two difficult lacerations over each wing, but a really deep one on her back. I hope I did the right thing by cleaning the wound with a mild castile soap solution, rinsing well, and then stitched her up quickly with a sharp needle and black cotton thread. Then I sprayed her with blu-coate, and gave her some electrolyte solution with an eye dropper. She seems to have some pep still in her, because when I pick her up, she wants to be free, and fights a little. I would like to know if I can give her a baby aspirin crushed and dissolved in water.
Has anyone done this? I don't have the heart to euthanize her if there's a chance she'll make it. Hope I am doing right by her. I should mention that none of the wounds caused a lot of bleeding, but she did seem to be in shock for awhile. I am worried about her being in pain, and would like to relieve it, if possible.
injured hen -fox attack
I wouldn't give her aspirin--or any analgesic not made for fowl. A lot of animals metabolize substances differently than humans (eg. dogs and ibuprofin/chocolate/raisins--birds and avacados). I think you did everything right--only worry would be infection, might need systemic antibiotic as advised by vet. Just let her rest and keep her in a quiet safe place where she can recover. Birds often recover well from injuries that look quite horrific.
I would not treat the pain either as my vet says they rest better and tend to heal more quickly if they are aware of some of the pain I know this sounds cruel but it's true. Good luck
you would be very surprised how fast they heal. I have a delaware chick that was alomst killed by a cat and is doing fine (fingers crossed) keep the wound clean and dry. I LOVE blucote! Good luck and keep us posted
Thank you all for replying so quickly. I will call my vet tomorrow. I guess with your encouraging words I'll get some sleep tonight!!
Julesgem,
How is your hen doing?
Karen
jules, i am a wimp, i give mine pain meds. keeping htem in a dark crate keeps them still enough. i usually use chilcdrens tylenol. sometiems herbs work good too. mugwort or mhyrr gum.
a little concerned that you stitched her up. soem cuts heal safer from the inside out. let us know how she is. '
we all know you are doing the right thing. hope your vet knows something about birds...