Expert: Abi - 5/13/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have a hen who's skin is torn under the wing I believe by the roster mounter her, I'm not sure on that. I had her by her self for 5 days to give her time to heal. I let her out today, she went back to where I had her to heal, she let me look under her wing and it's still bad. There is a big bald area also.What else should I do? Should I keep her by her self until she is completely  healed? is there anything I can do to help her heal? The other hens are fine with her. Should I let her out and put the roaster by him self for a while?

ANSWER: Let her stay with the other hens- if you keep her away for too long she will have to be re-accepted into the flock which may cause scraps. If it has scabbed over try rubbing some small animal ointment into it (you can get this from your pet store for wounds on guinea pigs and rabbits). If it is still open, get some wound powder (you can get this from tack shops or saddlerys for the horses- you can probably get it from your pharmacy too but the only place I know is saddlerys cos I used it for my old horse), and puff some of that on it to dry it up.

Give her lots of good food and lots of treats to help her heal. Give her spinach and also if you find any slugs or worms give her first pick!

I don't know about separating your rooster from them; is he very aggressive?

Thanks for your question.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: My chicken grew back her skin, will her feathers grow back, and how long will it take?
Thanks

Answer
It may take a long while for her feathers to grow back, and if she is very scarred they may never grow back in that area. Like I said, give her lots of food with protein in it because it helps them to grow new skin and feathers faster. There might be something to stimulate feather growth that I've heard of, ask at your pet store. I've never had to use it so I wouldn't know the name of it.

Thanks for your question.