Chick’s eye is healing shut!

[Eggcessive]

Baytril is banned for chickens in the US, but the egg withdrawal time is between 5 and 10 days according to these 2 studies of eggs:
https://www.researchgate.net/public...nrofloxacin_Preparations_Baytril_and_Enrotryl

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21392039/

 

[M Brennen]

Baytril is banned for chickens in the US, but the egg withdrawal time is between 5 and 10 days according to these 2 studies of eggs:
https://www.researchgate.net/public...nrofloxacin_Preparations_Baytril_and_Enrotryl

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21392039/
[/QUOTE

 

[M Brennen]

There is also this.

https://poultrykeeper.com/poultry-medication/baytril-used-to-treat-respiratory-problems/

 

[RooFernando]

Have you tried applying warm wet compresses to the eye while holding her for about 10 minutes? Saline or Bausch and Lomb saline eye wash is available at most drug stores and Walmart for about $4. You can make your own by boiling 1 tsp of salt in a quart of water, then cooling it in a clean jar. Eye secretions and pus will dry and become crusty, but softening and removing a little each time will eventually help. Antibiotic eye ointment such as Terramycin eye ointment from a feed store (ask a clerk for it,) or plain Neosporin or Triple Antibiotic is good if that is not found. Most swollen pus filled eyes are due to either a respiratory infection, such as MG or coryza, or from a peck wound that is infected. Here are some graphic videos of removing pus:

I’ve been using saline to clean it out daily, as well as the antibiotic drops. I actually watched a similar video to learn how to get the pus out. The little part within the eye that looks like pus is actually the other eyelid. I was trying for days to dig it out until I realized it was pink and moving back and forth over her eye! If there’s still pus, it must be way back in the corner of the eye.

 

[M Brennen]

I’ve been using saline to clean it out daily, as well as the antibiotic drops. I actually watched a similar video to learn how to get the pus out. The little part within the eye that looks like pus is actually the other eyelid. I was trying for days to dig it out until I realized it was pink and moving back and forth over her eye! If there’s still pus, it must be way back in the corner of the eye.

I would just keep doing what you are doing. It took my chicken a long time to clear up.

 

[RooFernando]

If a vet is an option, then by all means, take them to the vet. If not, then you'll likely need to cut a slit in the skin to give the pus an exit.

Basic instructions (I am NOT a vet):

I've found disposable scalpels at my feed store. Get some disposable gloves as the infectious material is probably septic (and contagious to humans). Gather old, clean towels/rags. You'll need several.

Having a partner to help you hold the bird will be helpful, but if you don't have a buddy, then wrap the bird gently, yet firmly in a towel, with their head exposed. This will effectively bind the wings & feet without applying too much pressure on the respiratory system. Expect heavy bleeding when you cut the skin on the external eyelid. All facial wounds bleed like the dickens, so don't panic. The feed store likely sells a blood-stop powder too.

So, cut the lower eyelid open to give the pus a path of least resistance, and squeeze it like you would a cyst or blackhead, with firm yet gentle pressure under the pus pocket with the force directing it to the opening that you created.

Once you've got all the pus out, apply more blood-stop powder, avoiding the eye itself. House the bird alone, but within eye and ear-shot of its mates, you should be able to put them back in with their flock in a day or two. Monitor the healing, confirming that swelling is going down and doesn't appear to remain infected.

Keeping you and your feathered family in my prayers.

Thanks for the info! I have tried to find a vet that is knowledgeable about chickens, but no luck yet. I may have to try this method to get her eye opened up before it’s too late! I’ve just had a hard time keeping her from scratching the eye. I made a little collar like dogs wear, but she freaks out too much and nearly hurts herself trying to get it off!