Eye infection in bantam chick

[Zen Wildlife Rescuer]

Hi all. One of our bantam chicks has an eye infection. (What I think is conjunctivitis) I am putting her on an antibiotic and washing the eye out with warm water. Is there anything else I can do? Also, is it contagious or can she be reunited with the other chicks?

 

[Myrshine]

This is most likely caused by a mild respiratory infection such as Mycoplasma Gallisepticum (MG), Infectious Coryza or Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT). The only way to confirm if it’s any of these, is to get testing done. Yes, all of these diseases I listed are contagious and will make birds chronic asymptomatic carriers of it for life and symptoms will come and go during stressful situations or weather changes. Infectious Coryza normally comes with a strong awful odor smell similar to fish or a dead carcass. MG can be passed down from the infected parents, thus causing this— especially if the chick has never been around older chickens. You can treat with antibiotics, but it will NOT cure the disease. Don’t breed or sell any birds that are exposed or infected. Keep a closed flock. Again, only testing can tell you wether it’s MG, ILT, or something else. You can contact your government extension or if you’re in the US, you can contact your State of Agriculture veterinarian. You can also get testing done by Research Associates Laboratory (RAL) or Zoologix online.