I have the same problem. A Welsummer pullet 5 months old showed up for treats with her left eye engorged and sealed shut. I gently washed away the dried goo and forced the cottage cheese looking pus out. That was two days ago. Today I went looking for her when my count of Welsummers was down by two. Sadly, she was off by herself with the other eye in the same condition. Then I checked the coop and saw another Welsummer sitting inside the coop door with both eyes shut with infection.
I immediately put them into quarantine. I heard another hen (not Welsummer) sneeze earlier. I’m concerned about an infectious outbreak.
The first hen is weak and would not take water. The second Welspring, is a lot more energetic and put up a fuss when she was picked up.
I think the first hen is too far gone. The second may make it.
Tomorrow I’ll go to
Tractor Supply for antibiotics.
I cleaned both of their eyes. Fresh infection seems to have a watery pocket behind the large single curd looking like ricotta cheese.
I held my girls with my arm over them and used that side hand to hold their head still. Wrapping my thumb and middle finger around their heads positioning my two fingers above and below the swollen eye mass, I squeezed the eye open and the infection popped out in one piece. This was done after cleaning away the outside mess on their eyes first. Those sockets appeared to be clear of any remaining pus. I liberally applied an overabundance of topical antibiotics ointment, not cream, to all four eyes.
I could still see eyes which had membranes which opened and closed. There may be hope for some sight to return if they survive the infection.
I really think there will be a small, feathery funeral tomorrow. I’m not too attached to the pullets yet and hope the rest of the flock does ok.
Just thought I’d share my experience and will update as well.
I hope your girls get better!
