skin damage on hen from Roo's spurs

Nangkita · **Joined:** Sat Oct 02, 2010 10:29 am **Posts:** 11

Hi,
This morning roo jumped one of our Wyandotte hens and we have noticed that she has skin damage on either side of her back. One side particularly has a large gash where the skin has separated from the flesh.
Does anyone have any clues as to how I can treat this to prevent infection? She is broody at the moment (AGAIN!!!) so I can easily get to her back.

Thanks in anticipation.

Petite Poulet · **Joined:** Thu Jun 09, 2011 7:17 pm **Posts:** 5219

Hi, Nangkita,

Firstly, clean the wounds with warm water and sterile cotton wool and apply Betadine Antiseptic. How wide is the gash? She may need to go to the vet's to have it looked at. Someone else with more experience will be able to give you further advice on necessary treatment.

There are posts in Chickens on trimming rooster's spurs.

Petite Poulet

OakA · **Posted:** Fri Oct 28, 2011 8:57 pm

By all means clean and disinfect the wound.
I topical aerosol spray found at any good stockfood store or vets ,an antiseptic spray applied a couple of times a day will keep it clean and infection free while it heals.The sort of spray is one used for cuts and injury to horses and other animals.
Keep the amorous rooster away from her until she is healed or further damage can and likely will be done.
The skin on a lot of breeds is thin and tender and Wyandottes are amongst these breeds prone to such injury, but pullets of almost any breed can be damaged in this way.
It is not usually the spur that does the dammage but long sharp toe nails, shorten the toe nail removing the sharp points with a pair of nail clippers or dog toe nail cutters.The inside toe is particularly prone to cause this type of injury as the male tries to grip during mating and the foot slips dragging down the back and thigh causing the deep tear to skin and at times flesh.

Nangkita · **Joined:** Sat Oct 02, 2010 10:29 am **Posts:** 11

thank you for the tips ... cheers

oozcorpse · **Joined:** Sun Nov 04, 2007 8:15 am **Posts:** 2715

the advise above is good :-D

we had this happen to our of our girls last year she recovered well but it did take months - your girl will need for all her feathers to have grown back as well (if they have been broken off by the roo)

I suggest you make a saddle for each of your girls - google them for info on patterns fabric etc

we use saddles all the time during breeding season now and they work very well

Petite Poulet · **Joined:** Thu Jun 09, 2011 7:17 pm **Posts:** 5219

Hi, soozorps,

Could you please possibly post a photo of your girl's modelling their hen saddles? What type of fabric do you recommend?

I found this pattern and would really appreciate your advice.

http://backtobasicliving.com/blog/make- ... en-saddle/

Thank you, kindly
Petite Poulet

oozcorpse · **Joined:** Sun Nov 04, 2007 8:15 am **Posts:** 2715

sorry not to have answered sooner - will a take a pic of one of my Cuckoo girls who is sporting a saddle atm compliments of a ckl getting to her (without permission!) and post it in here

FYI - that link is excellent :-D

and the saddle wonderfully colourful :-D

I only use a medium to heavy grade canvas of nondescript colour I found canvas better with my std size boys - some are 'rather heavy'

what OZ needs is someone that can mass produce canvas saddles and supply them at a reasonable price with a discount for large orders - I'm not interested in making them - but I DO know someone that may consider it = will ask and get back here re the answer

personally I would buy 30+ of them

Petite Poulet · **Joined:** Thu Jun 09, 2011 7:17 pm **Posts:** 5219

Thanks, soozorps,

I am going to draft that pattern out soon and try and make one for my girl, she is worn out by Mr. Rooster, as Boss Chookie has little ones to care for now, or maybe I just need some more girls for him???

oozcorpse · **Joined:** Sun Nov 04, 2007 8:15 am **Posts:** 2715

more girls wouldnt hurt - roosters need 4-10 girls to give each girl a bit of a break - depends on how much room you have too

# need to get into town to get batteries for the camera - damn thing died just as I was about to go 'click' will get that pic eventually

question - yr signature says Lav Araucanas - std size or bantam??

Petite Poulet · **Joined:** Thu Jun 09, 2011 7:17 pm **Posts:** 5219

question - yr signature says Lav Araucanas - std size or bantam??[/quote]

Hi, soozorps,

Standard Araucanas, only a trio and two chicks!

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