What You Should Know About Chicken First Aid

Not everyone is aware of what a chicken goes through when they molt their old feathers and start to grow new ones. Although it can be a very simple process without any problems, it is good to know what to do when problems do arise and what you can do to offer first-aid to a chicken when they have bleeding feathers.

Normally, a chicken molts their feathers and the new one that grows is resembles a quill on a porcupine. The shaft of the feather eventually starts to flake and reveal the feather that is growing and opening. The blood inside of the fully developed feather recedes and leaves a hollow inside to the shaft of the feather. But this does not always happen without problems occurring. If the feather splits or breaks off before the blood vessel is receded, it can leave the blood vessel open without any way of closing it off.

What You Can Do for First-aid to fix a Vertical Split in a Feather

You will need gauze, surgical glue and forceps or someone else to help you. If the wound is wet from blood, use the gauze to dry it off. Glue the split in the feather together and make sure that it is sealed; this could take a few applications. It is best to have someone who can help you, as the chicken will not likely enjoy this medical treatment and you could end up with yourself full of glue and feathers!

What You Can Do for First-aid If the Feather is Broken Off

If the feather is broken off completely, you most likely will be left with part of the shaft. Since the shaft holds open the vein, it will be difficult to try to stop the bleeding, so the entire shaft needs to be removed. Pull the shaft out with forceps and be careful to pull straight out, not at an angle. Hold the follicle with gauze to stop the bleeding, and if necessary seal the follicle with surgical glue.