Chicken with one Swollen Eye

[Mack678]

Hello. My 6 week old chicken has one swollen eye and I am unsure of what to do or if I should leave it be? I noticed it today, so assuming it started today.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Welcome To BYC

Do any of your other chicks have symptoms?

Hard to know why the eye is swollen, she may have been pecked in the eye or it could be something more serious like respiratory infection, time will tell. General care is to rinse/flush the eye with saline, see if there's any dust or debris that needs to be removed from the eye, then apply an eye ointment like Terramycin into the eye. If you can't get Terramycin, then you can use Original Neosporin.

 

[Mack678]

Welcome To BYC

Do any of your other chicks have symptoms?

Hard to know why the eye is swollen, she may have been pecked in the eye or it could be something more serious like respiratory infection, time will tell. General care is to rinse/flush the eye with saline, see if there's any dust or debris that needs to be removed from the eye, then apply an eye ointment like Terramycin into the eye. If you can't get Terramycin, then you can use Original Neosporin.

Thanks for your response. No other symptoms at this time. Acting normal. The eye appears the same today. I did the saline today, so we will see tomorrow.
For the Terramycin, is this it?

https://a.co/d/06wdbJUU

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thanks for your response. No other symptoms at this time. Acting normal. The eye appears the same today. I did the saline today, so we will see tomorrow.
For the Terramycin, is this it?

https://a.co/d/06wdbJUU

Yes, that will work fine.

 

[Mack678]

Yes, that will work fine.

I was going to wear gloves and put a pea size amount around the eye. Is it okay if some gets in her eye?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I was going to wear gloves and put a pea size amount around the eye. Is it okay if some gets in her eye?

Yes, the ointment (Terramycin) should be put into the eye. That's what it is for, it's an Opthalmic Ointment.

 

[Mack678]

Got ya! I saw online (the example was a dog) but they put in on the lower lid and then as the dog blinked a couple of times, and it coated the eye. I believe they said to do it 4 times a day or something like that, but how often should I do that for a chicken?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Got ya! I saw online (the example was a dog) but they put in on the lower lid and then as the dog blinked a couple of times, and it coated the eye. I believe they said to do it 4 times a day or something like that, but how often should I do that for a chicken?

I'd apply the ointment at least 2X daily if possible.

Yes, if you can dot the ointment into the eye, I usually try for the corner or lower lid, the bird will blink the ointment into the eye a bit better.

If necessary, wrap her in a thin dish towel or cloth to capture the wings, this makes it easier to work on the face/eyes sometimes. A lot depends on how fidgety the bird is. I've had them be calm and no issues when cleaning/working with eyes and some (Like Quail) scream bloody murder and have a fit

 

[Mack678]

Thanks so much! She fidgeted a little but overall did well How many days in a row should I do it? And if it doesn't get better, after how long should I wait to go to a vet?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thanks so much! She fidgeted a little but overall did well How many days in a row should I do it? And if it doesn't get better, after how long should I wait to go to a vet?

I'd see if it improves within a week.