2 Week Old Chick Eye Swollen Shut

[bworth]

Hello! One of our 6 two-week old chicks was lethargic yesterday and now has one swollen eye. Does she need antibiotic cream and/or medicated feed? Maybe this is coryza? Are other chicks at risk? Thank you!

 

[DonyaQuick]

With no other symptoms than a single puffy eye in lethargy and no other birds showing symptoms of anythin, it could easily be an injury or local infection. That's not to say it couldn't yet be some other ailment if other symptoms start to appear, but injury should at least be ruled out first.

Have you checked the eye for debris? If not, do so right away to rule out something simple but urgent like a piece of trapped shavings or other debris, which can cause quite a lot of swelling, continued damage, and a lot of pain for the bird (easily makes a chick just hide in a corner) and can rapidly lead to infection if not treated. If the chick won't open the eye at all on its own, hold the chick's head with one hand and use a finger to genly tug downwards at the bottom of the eyelid. If there is just obvious debris or pus (which can be white or yellow goop), you can use saline eye washes to help flush things out. I also recently used Vetericyn Antimicrobial Eye Wash on a chick with an eye injury, which has more than saline in it but is safe for birds and has no prescription requirements.

 

[bworth]

With no other symptoms than a single puffy eye in lethargy and no other birds showing symptoms of anythin, it could easily be an injury or local infection. That's not to say it couldn't yet be some other ailment if other symptoms start to appear, but injury should at least be ruled out first.

Have you checked the eye for debris? If not, do so right away to rule out something simple but urgent like a piece of trapped shavings or other debris, which can cause quite a lot of swelling, continued damage, and a lot of pain for the bird (easily makes a chick just hide in a corner) and can rapidly lead to infection if not treated. If the chick won't open the eye at all on its own, hold the chick's head with one hand and use a finger to genly tug downwards at the bottom of the eyelid. If there is just obvious debris or pus (which can be white or yellow goop), you can use saline eye washes to help flush things out. I also recently used Vetericyn Antimicrobial Eye Wash on a chick with an eye injury, which has more than saline in it but is safe for birds and has no prescription requirements.

Thank you so much for your response! Yes, she will not open the eye on her own. When I try to gently open her eye there is some light yellow/white pus. I will try your recommended eye wash asap!

 

[Eggcessive]

I would think it is a peck wound unless she is showing signs of a respiratory disease. Make sure to feed her since she may not see wll enough to get food and water. You can also get Terramycin eye ointment from jedds.com or use plain Neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment in the eye. Clean her twice a day before applying the ointment. Where did the chick come from? Mycoplasma gallisepticum or MG is a chronic respiratory disease that may cause a swollen gunky eye with eye bubbles or foam. It usually is passed from a carrier or also can be passed through a hatching egg. Tylosin powder in the water can be used to treat symptoms.

 

[bworth]

She is eating when she's not resting away from the other chicks, but I'll pay attention to make sure she's eating and drinking normally. Her eye was fine when we got her from Murray McMurray on June 26. She is the smallest of the 6 chicks so maybe a peck injury. Thank you!!

 

[bworth]

When you say clean the chick, do you mean gently wipe her eye, or something else?

I would think it is a peck wound unless she is showing signs of a respiratory disease. Make sure to feed her since she may not see wll enough to get food and water. You can also get Terramycin eye ointment from jedds.com or use plain Neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment in the eye. Clean her twice a day before applying the ointment. Where did the chick come from? Mycoplasma gallisepticum or MG is a chronic respiratory disease that may cause a swollen gunky eye with eye bubbles or foam. It usually is passed from a carrier or also can be passed through a hatching egg. Tylosin powder in the water can be used to treat symptoms.

 

[Eggcessive]

It sounds more like a peck since she was shipped from a hatchery. I would flush or rinse her eye with saline or something like Bausch and Lomb Eye Relief eye wash (about $4 at Walmart) and tissue or a cotton ball.

 

[bworth]

Thank you all! I really appreciate all the advice and recommendations

 

[bworth]

Just an update & a follow up question. Her eye is much less swollen but it’s still closed all the time. We are continuing the saline wash and antibiotic ointment 3-4 times a day. She still keeps to herself she’s often away from the other chicks, and she’s noticeably less active. Is this normal as her eye is still healing & she’s just being careful? I’m worried about her & she’s also much smaller than the other chicks.

Thank you!!

 

[DonyaQuick]

Injured chicks can end up becoming the runt of the batch pretty easily, and it's not unusual for them to be wary of other birds while healing. She may still receive unwanted attention from curious other chicks on her bad side that keeps her in defensive mode. Especialy if she ends up partly or fully blind on that side it's normal for birds with impared vision to be stand-offish. Aside from keeping up with eye care, just make sure that she isn't getting bulled out of access to food and water and is eating and drinking well.