What minor wounds can I treat at home and when do I need to see the vet?
Small minor wounds can be looked at, at home. This means keeping them clean and dry and ensuring that other chickens are not pecking at the wound. Wounds and feather loss can be caused by injurious pecking by other birds. This can occur when normal foraging behaviours are not met, which can lead to cannibalism. It is important that your flock has sufficient environmental enrichment to keep them stimulated. Separating the injured hen may be beneficial until the wounds have begun to heal. Nettex Anti-Feather Pecking spray can help deter further pecking. If wounds appear infected, or are not healing, or your hen appears dull or ill, you should seek advice from your vet.