New neighbours moved in yesterday and the first conversation I had with them was the fact that their dog had jumped the fence and attacked on of our chickens. (Not the best way to start as good neighbours!) There seems to be two small puncture marks on on wing and the wing is drooping. She appears to have some movement at the upper joint of the wing. We bathed the area last night with disinfectant and she did not jump at the contact. She survived the night and was out eating early this morning, though she does seem a bit timid and slow.

Is there anything else I should be doing?

I would really appreciate some assistance.

Thanks and Merry Christmas from Australia.

-- Gavin Scott (gavin.scott@bdw.com.au), December 17, 2001

Answers

Gavin, a couple of years ago, one of our pups got a little too frisky around our hens and nipped through a wing. We did as you, we bathed it and put antibiotic cream on the wound. We added some antibiotic to her water for a few days also. I have had great luck in the use of colloidal silver for my hens, and other animals as well. In His grace, Sissy

-- Sissy Sylvester-Barth (iblong2Him@ilovejesus.net), December 17, 2001.

Gavin, It sounds like you have done a great job on the hen. I would just check her wing until it heals and make sure there is no infection. You would check for redness, swelling and any drainage besides a clear drainage. Merry Christmas from Kansas!

-- Karen in Kansas (kansasgoats@iwon.com), December 17, 2001.

it sounds like you are doing what you can for the chicken.

What are your neighbours going to do so this doesn't happen again and have you out lined consequences to them if it does? That dog knows where your chickens are now, the first time they forget to tie it up or it slips out it'll be back.

-- Anita in NC (anitaholton@mindspring.com), December 18, 2001.

mmmmmmmmmmm. Barbequed dog...... mmmmmmmmmm. Seriously, the neighbors may not even realize that the dog jumped the fence. You might tell them that the chicken feed the dog ate last night may not be good for him. (gentle way to tell them he jumped the fence) Hopefully they will respond with a horrified "He didn't get into your chickens, did he?" Then the info has been transmitted and communication has been established. Chickens are pretty resilient birds..... Still, bbq with dog.... marinate with herbs and lemon juice..... mmmmmmmmm

-- Gailann Schrader (gtschrader@aol.com), December 18, 2001.

Thanks to all who have contributed (except I am a bit worried about the BBQ dog story!) Chicken lasted another night and we have bathed her with antiseptic again - seems to be going well. Neighbours do know that their dog did it, and they have started to extend the boundary fence to make it higher - will have to wait and see if it is high enough.

Again thanks - have a great Christmas where ever you are in the world.

Gavin

-- Gavin (gavin.scott@bdw.com.au), December 18, 2001.