Chicken eye stuck shut

[chickensbcooltho]

hello I have a hen whose eye seems gunked shut. Came out of nowhere but i'm concerned it might be a respiratory thing as my rooster's nose keeps getting clogged up with black stuff, could this be related ??? I noticed a couple days ago her eye looked slightly irritated, almost a bit swollen, but it was completely open. Im pretty sure she's up there on the pecking order so i don't think it's that. Not sure about yesterday to be honest i've succumb to bad bad allergies, but when i went out to today she looked like this. Any leads in the right direction would be greatly appreciated

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Welcome To BYC

Is she new to you or have you added any new birds within the last 30 days?

I'd flush the eye with saline, see if there's any dirt or debris that needs to be taken out. Apply an eye ointment in the eye. Do this a couple of times a day for a few days to see if it gets better, stays the same or worse.

If she develops other symptoms, then you may need to give an antibiotic like Tylan.

 

[chickensbcooltho]

Welcome To BYC

Is she new to you or have you added any new birds within the last 30 days?

I'd flush the eye with saline, see if there's any dirt or debris that needs to be taken out. Apply an eye ointment in the eye. Do this a couple of times a day for a few days to see if it gets better, stays the same or worse.

If she develops other symptoms, then you may need to give an antibiotic like Tylan.

hi thank you for replying ! I've had her for almost a year now and no new chickens. Her eye is doing much better, not sure what happened. Will definitely start doing that though as soon as i can get to the store. She's the 2nd hen to get this though, my last one got it a week or two ago, but like the first she healed up without me doing anything, i'm a bit concerned how they're getting it though any ideas ? i'm thinking pecking but i've never seen this lady get pecked at , like i said shes pretty high up i feel.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm glad to hear she's doing better.

Have you looked them over for any bugs, perhaps a bug bite. Possible getting pecked in the eye, even a high ranking bird can get pecked. But if she's the second one to have swelling, but it resolves on it's own in a short period of time, then it could be a bite or sting.

 

[chickensbcooltho]

I'm glad to hear she's doing better.

Have you looked them over for any bugs, perhaps a bug bite. Possible getting pecked in the eye, even a high ranking bird can get pecked. But if she's the second one to have swelling, but it resolves on it's own in a short period of time, then it could be a bite or sting.

ahaha a bug bite makes sense. Now my rooster has been battling with some type of mites since winter and I imagine he's spread it to the ladies, but i've never seen swollen eyes till recently. I haven't really inspected the ladies (they hate being handled so much they put up such a fuss) but i'll take a look tomorrow. Now the space i have for them outside it definitely very overgrown, the grass taller than me in some spots, but i figured it would help keep them hidden from birds of prey plus snacks. I imagine it's probably a safe haven for a lot of other critters too. I'll have to investigate tomorrow and see what type of bugs are hanging around, hopefully they're aren't any hidden nests

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Oh, if he's got mites, then that could be part of the problem.

Have you tried treating him and the housing with Permethrin? It would be a good idea to get rid of the mites, they can affect the health of the whole flock.

 

[chickensbcooltho]

Oh, if he's got mites, then that could be part of the problem.

Have you tried treating him and the housing with Permethrin? It would be a good idea to get rid of the mites, they can affect the health of the whole flock.

No i haven't heard of it but it'll give it a shot for sure ! How exactly do you apply it ? I've tried D.E dust baths and garlic in water but to no avail, it would be such a relief to get rid of those pesky things.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

You are in the U.S.?

Most stores like TSC carry Permethrin Poultry Spray or Dust. I prefer to buy concentrate to mix up and spray the coop/roosting bars/nesting boxes and use dust for the birds themselves. But you can also use the spray on the birds too if you wish.

I put the dust in a sock, it helps me control the dust. I tap the sock onto the birds back, around the vent, under wings, etc., releasing the dust, then rub/work the dust down into the feathers getting it to the skin. If using spray, you'll want to part feathers and get that worked in too. (This is why I like dust better for the birds, easier for me to work with).

For the coop/housing, it's best to remove bedding and dispose of it. Spray the roosts/nesting boxes, nooks and crannies of the coop - places where mites hide.

Treat the birds and the coop in 7 day intervals to break the lifecycle. I'd put minimal bedding back in the coop until you get rid of all the mites. Depending on how heavy an infestation, then you may need to repeat several times.

Unfortunately it seems DE, garlic and other remedies are not that effect against and infestation. These may help as deterrents when birds are bug free, but once the critters take hold, then you have to step it up to Permethrin.

You should be able to find similar products at your feed store. The concentrate will make many gallons. You can also buy premixed as well, but it's not quite as economical.

 

[chickensbcooltho]

Awesome thank you so much !! Yes i'm in the U.S i'll keep an out for the dust, i'm digging the sock technique! Again thank you for all your time and help!