I really appreciate all the kind and knowledgeable answers I received! Sadly, the little silky died during the night, but our white pullet (the one w/her backside bitten off!) seems OK. She is in a private cage in the garage with a heat lamp and the electrolyte fluid. I really wonder about infections down the road a bit, as well as what happens when she reaches egg-laying age? But for now, she is feeling better. Thanks again, Natalie

-- Natalie (Casaflora@aol.com), February 03, 2001

Answers

Natalie, you can almost guarantee to stop any infection by doing the cleaning with Hydrogen peroxide and using triple antibiotic ointment. You could also use medicated feed or get her on a course of antibiotics until she heals up. I'm sorry about your silkie. On the upside, this chicken will probably end up being the friendliest chicken you have ever seen from all the handling and love you'll give her in recovery! She probably won't go into lay until she has truly recovered. Best wishes!

-- Doreen (animalwaitress@excite.com), February 04, 2001.