The Poultry Keeper

debcat

A friend of mine has asked me to post for her,

one of her hens looks like it has broken its wing after a dog encounter. The wing has no visible injury but is hanging out of place
Since it is such a remote area there is no chance of a vet till monday morning
She has it in a box, quiet and warm,
The only thing I could think of was taping the wing into a more correct position

Any advice anyone can offer would be great

CP · Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2006 11:31 pm Post subject:

That's probably all she can do without access to a vet.

The problem will be keeping the wing immobile. Confused

Hope the vet will be able to do something for the hen on Monday.

NannyP · Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 12:13 am Post subject:

She should tape the wing to the hens body, using the body as a splint. This way it will not be causing so much pain until she can get to a vet. The only problem is, the bone will begin to calcify in the splinted position, which may not be the correct position. However, since the hen doesn't have to fly, it may not cause too much of a problem in the long run.
The hen still needs peace and quiet though, as she will be in shock.
Confused

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

What about using that 'tube gauze' is it called? It comes in a tube, hence the name and is like netting. You an get it from the chemist and she should be able to get a size suitable for her girl. Just makes sure it's small enough to restrict the movement of the wing. Hope she can get to a vet on Monday and hope it all comes out well. Please keep us informed.

debcat · Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 12:22 am Post subject:

I hope it works out ok as well
when I spoke to her the hen was a bit perkier than it had been at first

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

she should also make sure the hen drinks and maybe add some acv to the water or poultry spice ~ just to help her along

debcat · Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 10:11 pm Post subject:

heard from my friend,
the hen is doing better, she is able to move her wing about although it's still not right, going to see the vet tomorrow
bandaging works for a few minutes then she manages to peck and scratch it all off Confused

milkmaid · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 7424 Location: isle of lewis

naughty hen
hope things work out well
suz

fenwoman · Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 11:14 pm Post subject:

A simple method of placing the wing against the body is to cut the arm off an old sweater and slip it over the birds body. The ribbing generally holds it firm but not too tight. If the bone is badly damaged it might be easiest to have the wing amputated.

debcat · Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 10:48 pm Post subject:

update, message from my freind

Hi Debs, great he cannot find anything wrong with the wing at all, xray was clear, given her a jab just incase their is any teeth holes anywhere we have not found, he thinks I have got to them straight away, poooh lucky one. Skyla is great today wing hanging a bit but back to her cheeky self, I had her on the bed with me last night for 30 mins OH said he has seen it all now!!!!!!

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

excellent news, hope she makes a complete recovery soon. If she doesn't we know it's only because she wants to stay on the bed!

CP · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 1:14 am Post subject:

So glad the wing's not broken after all & she's feeling much better now she's seen how the other half live! Rolling Eyes

Any chance you have a picture of the bird on the bed?? Embarassed

(don't get excited, boys! Shocked

)