Ginny is our Golden Laced Wyandotte. A few weeks ago, it became apparent to me that she could no longer live with the other girls as she picked up the bad habit of feather picking. It all started when her and her sisters were going through their final molts as pullets. Those new pin feathers were enticing, so enticing that she found them irresistible. She began to peck at her younger sisters removing the feathers over their tails and from around their vents while sparing the older flock.
We increased the boredom busters to try and curtail her. We added heads of cabbage, two flock blocks, and treats they had to “work” for. We increased their protein by sharing meal worms and sunflower seeds. Unfortunately, no matter what you do, nothing works. She needed a chicken time out. We put her in our small chicken coop. Our plan was to return her as soon as her sisters were completely re-feathered.Yesterday, I heard a ruckus outside as a snow storm was occurring outside. The sound was different. I needed to go out. As I opened the door I saw a sly fox sprint across the yard. I think the chickens were spooked. Everyone was protected in their coops and runs, but I had to make sure.
I checked on Ginny first. She was huddled inside the small coop. She was on the roost facing away from me. I could see blood dripping. She was scared. Her comb and beak were bleeding. Part of her comb was ripped away and the top layer of her beak was damaged.I immediately reached for our chicken first aid kit. It had everything I needed. I gently coated the bleeding comb and beak with cornstarch. The bleeding stopped instantly. I sat in the snow and held Ginny in my arms and lap. She began to calm, as if she knew I was helping. I wiped off and cleaned what I could with Vetericyn. I left her beak alone because I wanted to see what her body would do before I intervened. I returned her to the coop and added some vitamins and electrolytes to her drinking water. As it was almost 4 pm, I locked her inside the coop for the evening. It was getting dark and I wanted her to rest. I would assess her again in the morning.
Author’s Note: If you don’t have a small empty coop for an injured chicken, you might consider making one of these for inside your coop or run just in case. It’s always good to be prepared.
Photo Credit: Tilly’s Nest
12 thoughts on “Comb and Beak Injuries in Backyard Chickens”
I'm glad you were home and able to treat her. Poor baby 🙁
Thank you soooo much for this wonderful info. I hope Ginny heals quick and beautifully! You are such a good chicken mama! xox
Wow that must have been so scary for them and you! Its a good thing you knew what to do to help her. I don't have any of that but will go and get some this week, just in case
have a great day
deezie
This is all important stuff for us beginners to know. I'm making a shopping list based on what you've written here. This was clearly a painful experience for you and I appreciate your sharing it with us. I hope sweet Ginny heals quickly and can transition back into the flock successfully. Sharon
Oh my goodness! Poor Ginny! Thank goodness she is okay. Do you find foxes around your house commonly?
Oh yes, we do have fox as we live right near a conservation area. Usually they don't come into the yard that often but with the huge snow drifts and the lack of food, we are on their radar.
I hope Ginny is doing okay! She is beautiful!! Bless her heart!!
She is doing much better today. Healing nicely and I spoiled her with a bunch of meal worms. Thank you for checking in on us!
Thanks for sharing. Poor little thing! Glad she's doing better.
I worry about one of mine too, she gets picked on, and I have to take special care, The fox has not been an issue but the feral catshave alarmed me….
you have bad luck with little bully wyandottes! Reminds me of Dottie Speckles! Hope Ginny heals up well.
I know 🙁 Sometimes I think so too but then there are days when she and the others are getting along famously. Dottie pecked them all. Ginny was picking on the molters…I guess time will tell.