A predator attack can happen even when you think your coop is secure. In this episode of The Poultry Doc Podcast, Dr. Blayne shares a real-life emergency from his own backyard flock after a raccoon gets into the coop and injures one of his hens, Elizabeth Taylor.

Follow along as Dr. Blayne evaluates and treats her injuries, demonstrating how to assess a laceration, identify potential deeper tissue damage, properly clean a wound, and use medical-grade tissue glue to close a fresh skin tear.

You’ll also learn why not every wound should be closed, how contamination can increase the risk of infection, and what to consider when providing supportive care after a predator attack.

Whether your chicken has been attacked by a raccoon, dog, or another predator, this episode offers a practical look at poultry wound management and the importance of having a well-stocked chicken first aid kit.

In this episode:

• Assessing injuries after a predator attack
• What to look for when a chicken has a deep skin tear
• Cleaning and flushing wounds properly
• When tissue glue may be appropriate
• Why contaminated wounds should not always be closed
• Managing pain and supporting recovery
• Preparing your flock first aid kit

Remember, predator injuries can be more extensive than they appear. Deep wounds, significant bleeding, suspected internal injuries, and contaminated bites warrant veterinary evaluation.

The Poultry Doc has everything you need to treat your chickens after an attack. Check out our marketplace.

0:00 Intro

0:11 Raccoon Attack in the Chicken Coop

0:37 Skin Tear: First Look

1:25 Lidocaine for Pain Relief

1:42 Checking the Wound

1:59 Fresh vs Dirty Wounds

2:41 Cleaning a Wound with Chlorhexidine

2:58 DIY Wound Flush Bottle with a 14 Gauge Needle

4:22 Trimming Dead Skin Before Closing

5:43 Closing a Chicken Wound with Tissue Glue

8:30 Checking for Other Injuries

8:46 Recap