dog attack injury

[deepthoughtbill]

Hello all,
We have been keeping chickens on and off for a few years now, but up until today have never had dogs coming onto our property off the lane and chasing our chickens. Two women 5 dogs (one a lurcher) result one cream leg bar dog food, and one sussex with a lot of feathers and skin missing from her backside. Can anyone advise a suitable treatment/action to encourage this to heal, I know others pecking the wound is a potential risk.
Thanks,
Will

 

[chrismahon]

Hi Deepthoughtbill and welcome to the forum. Chickens heal very well on their own but if in company they will need the wound spraying over to hide it. We use a purple fluid called Gentian Violet which has antibacterial and anti fungal additives.

You have been so lucky this far with your chickens. Dog attacks are infrequent but a fox could have taken them at any time. They need a proper enclosure.

 

[Marigold]

Hi Will, and welcome to the Forum. I'm sorry it's after such a horrible experience for you and your flock. The Sussex will be in shock, and will need to be kept under careful observation to see if any internal injuries seem likely to develop, but as Chris says, external wounds should heal if not pecked, poor girl.
What about the dog owners? What did they do when it happened? I hope they will pay compensation, even if to you this isn't important in monetary terms compared with the distress caused. Again, as Chris says, there are many stories on this forum of chickens dying from predator attacks, usually foxes but also dogs, so looking at security woukd be a good thing to do, I think.

 

[deepthoughtbill]

Thanks for the replies. I will follow up your advice.Yes we do have a sturdy Arras fence 'Auschwitz' but they range our bit of orchard and garden by day. Haven't had a fox problem but starving Badgers bust into the old run during a summer dry spell and did their worst. First dog problem though. Owners mortified - just can't control their animals. Time to fix the garden gate I guess.