I have 2 types of chickens. I have 5 New Hampshire Reds and 3 black giants (that were given to me). The 5 reds I raised from chicks and are very loving but the others that were given to me are mean and very unfriendly to me, my kids and the other chickens. The other night we heard a noise outside so we went to see what was the matter. One of the blacks was on top of one of the reds and was hen pecking it almost to death. I realize that when chickens see blood they usually don't stop until it is done. We successfully rescued the red and have her seperated from the others but she is very weak she can't stand and her head is missing feathers and is red. Half of her crown is gone also. What should I be looking for for signs of infection and who if anyone should I call to get some meds for her? She is eating and drinking. I think that is a good sign. Please help my little girl. Any advise is better than none. Sincerly Distressed Mom

-- Donna Rondeau (oliviadylan@aol.com), June 25, 2003

Answers

chickens will obtain a pecking order on their own, sounds like thats what is happening. Was there blood on the red? alot of bleeding? Most times, some simple "blood stop powder" will solve the blood pecking problem. IN worst case senarios, it may be necessary to get rid of the aggressor.

-- Stan (sopal@net-pert.com), June 25, 2003.

I'm new to chickens too. We've had ours since February. From what I've read though neosporin seems to be good to use. I guess you would look for the same signs of infection we would have, swelling, pus. Keep an eye out for maggots. I read about one chickens that had a huge gash that was maggot filled. It seems that if they are eating and drinking they'll be ok. Our chickens were not tame when we got them either. What I did was every night when I lock them up in the coop I'd pet them. They are roosting then and calmer. Several of them now eat out of my hand. They definitely come running when they see us coming! This has worked on everyone but the rooster. And to be perfectly honest I look at his spurs and its ok if I don't pet him. He never tries to hurt anyone though. To let him in or out of the coop my back is wide open to him cause he roosts at the highest spot and he could easily jump down on me if he wanted. Good luck with your hen.

-- Ginger Bailes (gingerb@comporium.net), June 26, 2003.

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-- Your Full Name (Your Email Address@aol.com), June 26, 2003.

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-- Your Full Name (Your Email Address@aol.com), June 26, 2003.

If it were me I would get rid of the Black Giants that are causing the trouble. My first rooster was evil on a stick, and his name was Ambush for a reason....I made a vow that I would never keep a mean rooster, and I feel the same about hens.

You may try to give her some electrolytes and some pen G or ampicillin for infection. I've nursed a few from broken legs and they have responded well to that course of treatment.

Good luck and take care.

-- (bisquit@here.com), June 30, 2003.

I had a GREAT rooster that was hatched out last year. HE did EVERYTHING he was supposed to do. Look out for hawks, coon,s dogs, made sure the hens ate first,, ect. Then one day, a dog came in,, killed a couple hens, but he took the worst,, didnt get killed, but was beat up real bad. After that, he started picking on one hen,, trying to kill her, ripped her head open, wouldnt let her eat/drink. I ended up isolating her, then he started after another hen,, so I figured he got messed up in the head after the dog attack. Never can tell

-- Stan (sopal@net-pert.com), June 30, 2003.