What should I do if my chicken's wound is not shrinking in size? | arlo.® Atlas

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your chicken's wound isn't shrinking in size, it's a sign to slow down and check the basics carefully. The wound may be being re-opened, kept too damp or dirty, irritated by pecking, or simply taking longer than expected to heal. You can't tell the exact cause just by looking, but a few practical checks can help you decide what to do next.

Things To Check

1. Check whether other birds are pecking at the area, especially after feeding, in tight housing, or when the wound is exposed.

2. Look closely for redness, swelling, heat, discharge, a bad smell, or skin that looks more damaged rather than more closed.

3. See whether the wound is staying wet, getting dirty, or being rubbed by bedding, perches, fencing or feathers.

4. Notice if your chicken is eating, moving and behaving normally, or if it seems quieter, less active or uncomfortable.

5. Check whether the wound is on a moving area such as a leg, wing or under the body, where stretching and rubbing can slow healing.

6. Think about how long it has been open and whether it has changed at all over the past few days.

7. Make sure the bird is not having trouble reaching food and water, especially if the wound is on a difficult-to-access area.

Common Causes

The most common reason a chicken wound doesn't seem to shrink is repeated irritation from pecking, rubbing or movement. Dirty, damp or crowded conditions can also slow healing because the skin keeps getting stressed.

Sometimes the wound has a small amount of dead tissue, a scab that keeps breaking down, or an underlying issue such as a deeper injury than first expected. Less commonly, infection or another health problem may be affecting normal healing.

What To Do

Keep the area as clean and dry as you can without overhandling the bird. If the wound is being pecked, separate the chicken if needed so it can rest without further damage.

Reduce dust, wet bedding and anything that may rub against the wound. Give the bird quiet, easy access to food and water, and keep checking whether the wound is getting smaller, cleaner or less inflamed over the next day or two.

When To Contact A Vet

Speak to a vet if the wound is getting larger, looks infected, is deep or gaping, keeps bleeding, or your chicken seems unwell, off food, very dull or in pain. A wound that isn't improving after a few days of sensible care should also be checked.

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