Backyard Fowl Keepers

Hi everyone,

I need some advice on how to care for a hen that got injured after being bullied by the rest of the flock. She has a small wound on her back, and I’m not sure what the best way is to treat it. Should I separate her from the flock while she heals? If so, how long should I keep her apart?

Also, I’m worried about reintroducing her once she’s better—will the bullying just start all over again? Is there a way to stop this from happening in the future?

I’d really appreciate any tips or suggestions. Thank you!

Sorry to hear about your hen! You’re definitely on the right track by thinking about separating her. Chickens are drawn to the sight of blood, so if you leave her in with the flock, the others might keep pecking at her wound and make it worse. Clean the wound gently with saline or diluted iodine, and apply an antibiotic ointment (without painkillers, as some can be toxic to chickens).

Keep her in a separate space where she can see the flock but isn’t in direct contact with them. This will make reintroduction easier later. Once her wound heals and the feathers start growing back, you can try putting her back with the others, but monitor them closely to ensure she’s not being bullied again.

I’ve dealt with this before.
It’s tough, but you can help her recover!
First, clean the wound carefully, and use something like Blu-Kote to cover it.
Blu-Kote also masks the red color of the wound
It can help prevent other chickens from pecking at her when she’s reintroduced.
I’d separate her for a few days to let her heal.
But make sure she can still see and hear the rest of the flock.
When you reintroduce her, try doing it at night while the chickens are roosting.
That way, they wake up together, and it’s less likely to cause a big commotion.
Adding distractions like treats or toys can also reduce aggression when she’s back in the group.

I’m sorry you’re dealing with this.
It’s always hard to see one of your hens get hurt.
Definitely clean the wound and keep her separated until it scabs over and starts to heal.
Chickens can be brutal when they see an injury.
To prevent this in the future, check your flock’s environment.
Make sure they have plenty of space, as overcrowding can lead to aggression.
Adding hiding spots, like small boxes or branches, can give the bullied chickens a safe place to retreat.
Also, provide multiple feeders and waterers to ensure everyone gets a fair share without fighting.

For reintroducing her, try putting her back in the coop during a free-range day.
When the flock is distracted and less territorial.
It’s worked for me! Good luck!

Keep her separated for at least a week or until the wound is fully healed. Use this time to monitor the flock dynamics and address any issues before reintroducing her.

When reintroducing her, do it at night when the flock is calm. This can help reduce aggression and give her a better chance of reintegrating smoothly.

Consider using a hen saddle or apron to protect her back once shes reintroduced. It can shield the wound and prevent further pecking while she heals completely.

Reintroducing her can be tricky. Try placing her in a wire crate inside the coop for a few days so the others can see her but not peck at her. This helps ease her back into the flock.

Keep her separated for at least a week or until the wound is fully healed. Use this time to monitor the flock dynamics and address any issues before reintroducing her.

Apply Blu-Kote or a similar wound spray to help mask the injury and deter further pecking. It also promotes healing and prevents infection.