Can I use Epsom salts near or on a 3 week old chicks eye?

[Cryss]

I posted about his eye a week or more ago. It looks like it’s better than I thought except now I’m thinking I might see swelling on the lower lid or cheek or maybe the wattle? The liquid that had made the eye look so bad had dried in clumps and I had to moved at least 9% of it. I’d like to soak the last bit off so I can get a better look. Is Epsom salts safe near or on his eye?

 

[Eggcessive]

No, do not ever use Epsom salts near eyes. Normal saline is fine to use in the eye, or use plain water with a warm wet compress to soak off crusty drainage.
Normal saline is available in most drug stores and eye wash is also good. To make homemade saline, add 1/4 tsp to an 8 ounce cup of water, or make a larger amount. Bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes. Cool and store in a sterile container. I buy Bausch and Lomb Eye Relief eyewash at Walmart for $4-5. It works well on humans too.

 

[Cryss]

No, do not ever use Epsom salts near eyes. Normal saline is fine to use in the eye, or use plain water with a warm wet compress to soak off crusty drainage.
Normal saline is available in most drug stores and eye wash is also good. To make homemade saline, add 1/4 tsp to an 8 ounce cup of water, or make a larger amount. Bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes. Cool and store in a sterile container. I buy Bausch and Lomb Eye Relief eyewash at Walmart for $4-5. It works well on humans too.

Thank you very much. Yes I do use normal saline. I have a quart bottle. I only wondered about Epsom salts because I wondered if there is a wound that might be infected. I’ll stick to warm water/saline.

 

[coach723]

You can use plain neosporin or terramycin eye ointment in and around the eye if needed.

 

[Cryss]

Boo-boo is his handsome self again. Not sure what happened in the first place. The feathers seem to have worn off? I’m sure they’ll grow back after he loses his baby fluff.