Eye problem- 3 week old chick

[teaton]

Is there any vets around there that see chickens? Its fairly inexpensive. What have you been trying? It definitely looks like it could be Infected.

 

[cforrester]

@teaton I've done a course of oxytetracycline along with ofloxacin drops in the eye. Also did VetRx several times. Neosporin, silver solution, and even tried nystatin on the eye in case it was something fungal. I've washed it out numerous times with warm vetericyn solution. These were all things I already had on hand. I did go to TSC and found NFZ puffer that's for eye infections. Did that for 2-3 days but that seemed to make it worse. The skin on the edges has gotten hard (like scabby feeling) and has starting sloughing off. Of course now it's also itchy so the poor thing keeps scratching it which I'm sure can't be helping. It seems to be breathing fine. All things appear normal besides the eye. Oh and the choanal slit is inflamed only on the same side as the eye. The only time I've noticed any sounds or heavy breathing is when I'm doctoring on it and it gets agitated. There may be one vet here who deals with chickens and I'm going to call him today. Most vets here are very pricey though so don't even know if there is a possibility that I will take it to the vet. But hoping maybe he will do a consult or something.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

@teaton I've done a course of oxytetracycline along with ofloxacin drops in the eye. Also did VetRx several times. Neosporin, silver solution, and even tried nystatin on the eye in case it was something fungal. I've washed it out numerous times with warm vetericyn solution. These were all things I already had on hand. I did go to TSC and found NFZ puffer that's for eye infections. Did that for 2-3 days but that seemed to make it worse. The skin on the edges has gotten hard (like scabby feeling) and has starting sloughing off. Of course now it's also itchy so the poor thing keeps scratching it which I'm sure can't be helping. It seems to be breathing fine. All things appear normal besides the eye. Oh and the choanal slit is inflamed only on the same side as the eye. The only time I've noticed any sounds or heavy breathing is when I'm doctoring on it and it gets agitated. There may be one vet here who deals with chickens and I'm going to call him today. Most vets here are very pricey though so don't even know if there is a possibility that I will take it to the vet. But hoping maybe he will do a consult or something.

I wonder if something could be fashioned to try to keep the chick from scratching the eye? I'm thinking e-collar like for dogs..? [quick BYC search here] Here's a thread with ideas: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/720321/wont-stop-scratching-her-eye-cone.

Even if the eye isn't salvageable, keeping debris out of it should help it heal better. Best to you and the little one.

 

[cforrester]

@FoodFreedomNow Thanks for the ideas. I'll have to see if I can come up with something. The little chickie is so small but maybe I can find something that will work. I found a vet here that will treat chickens but they charge $50+ just to look at it. So won't be going that route. As of now, I'm just sticking with cleaning it out and applying newsprint. So maybe it will get better.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

@FoodFreedomNow Thanks for the ideas. I'll have to see if I can come up with something. The little chickie is so small but maybe I can find something that will work. I found a vet here that will treat chickens but they charge $50+ just to look at it. So won't be going that route. As of now, I'm just sticking with cleaning it out and applying newsprint. So maybe it will get better.

You're welcome, of course. I have to admit that I haven't seen an eye that looked like that before.

Keep doing the best you can - it's obvious you're putting a lot of effort into trying to help him or her. Here's hoping your little chick gets better soon!