can I rinse a chicken eye with saline?

[GretchenM]

My Sicilian Buttercup is having problems with one eye. Avian pox was running through the flock, and at first I thought she just had a pock on the edge of her eye; the eye just looked DIFFERENT, almost like a "lazy eye." Then it seemed to be getting better, but this morning, she's keeping it closed most of the time, not all, and I can't get a good look it. We were thinking this evening, as they settle down, we'd take her and rinse her eye with saline, see if that helps. Any reason NOT to do this? And should we use pure saline as opposed to preserved contact lens saline? THANKS for your thoughts!

 

[chickensioux]

If it is pure saline I don't see a problem with it. Otherwise just use warm water.

 

[kuntrygirl]

It shouldn't be a problem. I have rinsed my duck's eye with saline solution and she was fine.

 

[dawg53]

I agree with the others, saline solution is best. I've read that contact lens saline shouldnt be used...I dont have the link though. You can also put terramycin eye ointment in her eye if you wish.

 

[GretchenM]

Thanks, y'all!!
My, Chickensioux, you look so familliar.....

 

[GretchenM]

Thanks again, all. Upon closer inspection, it looks like she somehow got a scratch just below her eye, like on the rim of her eye. I think the reason it looked like it was getting worse is, as I finally realized, it was the first time in days I'd been able to let them out to roam first thing in the morning, so she had just woken up. THat evening, it looked better again. So we let it go, and it continues to look better each day.

Being a new chicken person, even tho my fiancee has had them before, I GREATLY appreciate being able to tap into the wisdom and experience of this community! THANK YOU!

Have a good week, everyone!
Gretchen

 

[crystalchik]

Glad its getting better!
Saline would have been fine. But it seems like it would simply flush the eye instead of treat an irritation or possibly small infection if there is one. If something comes up again, try rinsing with Coriander (spice) tea. It works great to sooth and treat eye problems like conjuctivitis. Take a teaspoon of Corianer and simmer in 1 cup of water for 10-15 minutes. Let it cool then strain the mixture, or let it settle and take off the top. Try not to get any big particles. Then just flush her eyes a few times a day. I saw results within a day or two. It works well! Even for use on people!

 

[colleen4nier]

I make a tea with red clovers (leaf and flower), then cool and strain. I put it in a small bike bottle with sport squirter and flush the eyes with that.