Broody with one eye closed - what should I do?

[trinacliff]

I have a broody that was joined by another broody in the same box, and I noticed the original broody has been keeping one eye closed. I've seen the one have her head tucked under the other, almost like her head is stuck, but I made sure that wasn't the case. What should I do? I caught the healthy one out and about for a few minutes today, but I did not see the other get of the nest. Actually, I have not seen her off the nest at all. So, do I force her off the nest to treat her eye or leave her alone? I believe they have about another week before any chicks should hatch. I don't see any puss or anything, but like I said, it is partially closed.

Thanks!

Kristen

 

[purpletree23]

Leave her on the nest and try to put a little neosporin on it. You should clean the eye first with a cotton ball and contact lens saline solution. This should soothe her eye and it has germ killing properties so if it foams or bubbles like peroxide its fine.

Because it has been so cold and being broody is so hard on a hen put a little dish of scratch in front of her so she can eat and not leave the eggs too long. An excellent source of protein and fat are shelled sunflower seeds. I like the shelled seeds for a broody hen or a sick chicken so they don't have the shell to try and digest. Make sure she is drinking also.

Be sure to provide the chicks with chick grit and starter crumbles. Mix the grit with the crumbles so each can get some grit into their system because they will be eating whatever mom feeds them and they will need the grit to process their food. A little chick waterer close by is also helpful.

 

[trinacliff]

She starts chirping at me the minute I get near her...she is very protective and has attacked and pecked the stew out of me when I was trying to put some food even near her. I'm thinking I would have to pull her off in order to doctor it. So, can it wait a week or maybe not?

Thanks!

Kristen

 

[purpletree23]

I would not wait. It will only get worse and then the chicks will catch it and so witll your other chickens because she will be off the nesting box and have more contact with them.

Treat her when it is dark and she can't see you. When you come into the coop talk softly to her so she knows its you and treat her gently so she doesn't move a lot and crack any of her eggs.