Closed/squinting eyes

[Fallchick]

I have two 5 month old Cochin pullets. They are squinting or closing their eyes. There is a slight white discharge coming from one of the eyes. Could this be conjuntivitis. They are also rubbing and scratching there eyes. They are reluntant to go into the sun light and are staying in the coop. They are eating little to nothing. I gave some sugar water and am going to give yogurt. I have isolated them. They are on 6 inch deep dry white sand for litter. I rake it daily and there is not an ammonia smell. Also could this be eye worms? The chicken health handbook says to treat with 3 drops of ivermectin (which I have) twice daily in each eye but not for how long. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tulie13]

Fallchick - check your PM's (Private Messages). I'm not far from you!

 

[ranchhand]

Did the PM help? Nice to see another "chicken tender" is in your area.

 

[sammi]

sounds like conjunctivitis..but watch for other symptoms since it could be early signs of respiratory illness.

wash eyes with saline eye wash
get terramycin eye ointment at feed/farm/livestock supply store or some pet supply stores.

online source:

http://www.firststatevetsupply.com/store/

click antibiotics..then for eyes.

 

[Fallchick]

Thanks Ranchhand for the infomation on the posting, and Sammi you were right Ithink they have infectious coryza and am treating them with Sulmet in the drinking water. The two with the eye problems have also developed snotty noses with a most unpleasant oder from the nasal discharge. I understand that if they survive that they will always be a carrier. I'm not looking to sell any anyway.They are more my pets than egg producers . And last but not least thanks for the support tulie13. I'lll post the outcome in a few days/weeks.

 

[sammi]

it wouldn't be a bad idea to have some Tylan 50 on hand.
it also treats coryza.

 

[Fallchick]

The Sulmet must be working. None of the hens have nasal discharge now. I still have 3 hens that have conjunctivitis and seem to be real weak. I'm giving yogurt and vitamins/eletrolytes in the water now. I gave them pumpkin and raisins which they ate better than their layer pellets. I'm still treating with trimicin in the eyes twice a day. Laying has stopped at this point. I'm hoping as they re-coop that it will start back up as my birds were good winter layers last year. I will post more as they improve or decline.