Facial swelling in chicks...is this a sinus infection?

[Helena87]

Hi BYC community. I have six chicks and two of them (my Rhode Island reds) have swollen faces. They are 8 weeks old, not disconcertingly smaller than the others, though I do think they’re finding out they’re at the bottom of the pecking order. (They jersey giants are obviously a bit bigger).

There WAS blood on the roost in the coop this week, but i couldn’t find any injury or blood near the vents. I think they are scratching each other’s feet when they’re vying for good positions.

So far they are behaving normally: eating, drinking, scratching, dust bathing (currently). Theyre still on an organic starter/ grower feed with grit and occasional snacks like clover, apple, etc.

I noticed the swelling today. I don’t think the other 4 have selling, though one jersey giant MIGHT right around her ear—it’s more subtle if so. The poop looks normal though I have noticed occasional runniness. No blood in feces.

No treatment administered so far, other than ACV & electrolytes. I’m not sure if it’s an emergency, but I am wondering if they need antibiotics or other treatment. I’m also not sure if I should assume all 6 girls need treatment, or if I should isolate the 2 reds.

All insight appreciated!

 

[Helena87]

Upon closer inspection my Jerseys have some swelling as well.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

There WAS blood on the roost in the coop this week, but i couldn’t find any injury or blood near the vents. I think they are scratching each other’s feet when they’re vying for good positions.

behaving normally: eating, drinking, scratching, dust bathing

Hi! My 8 week old chicks are going through something similar. Two of them have facial swelling today (for the first time). Their sneezing is consistent with your flock—typically but not exclusively around the feeder/ waterer, and I’ve noticed that ‘spray,’ despite a lack of visible discharge. I know your thread is quite old but curious if you see this if you have any advice!

Upon closer inspection I do think my Jerseys have slight swelling as well.

In another post you made (referenced above) you mention sneezing - but don't mention it in your own thread. Are they sneezing or not? Discharge or not?

I agree, the eye does look swollen on the RIR. Have you looked inside her beak?
How long have you had her?
Where did the chicks come from and do you have an existing flock?

General care for eye swelling would be to flush with saline, push out any pus or debris and apply an eye ointment. (Terramycin, Plain Neosporin, Vetericyn eye gel, etc.)

IF they are sneezing, have mucous coming from the nostrils, are coughing, you notice bubbles or discharge from the eyes - then likely it's respiratory illness. Hard to know which one unless you get testing. An antibiotic may help if you are dealing with Mycoplasma. Tylosin can be found online. It will take some time to get medications - so if you have a vet that will work with you, that may be better. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

 

[Helena87]

In another post you made (referenced above) you mention sneezing - but don't mention it in your own thread. Are they sneezing or not? Discharge or not?

I agree, the eye does look swollen on the RIR. Have you looked inside her beak?
How long have you had her?
Where did the chicks come from and do you have an existing flock?

General care for eye swelling would be to flush with saline, push out any pus or debris and apply an eye ointment. (Terramycin, Plain Neosporin, Vetericyn eye gel, etc.)

IF they are sneezing, have mucous coming from the nostrils, are coughing, you notice bubbles or discharge from the eyes - then likely it's respiratory illness. Hard to know which one unless you get testing. An antibiotic may help if you are dealing with Mycoplasma. Tylosin can be found online. It will take some time to get medications - so if you have a vet that will work with you, that may be better. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

Thanks for your reply! I’ve had the flock for 7 weeks, and they are my first flock. I got them from Tractor Supply.

What I was responding to on the other thread is that they do sneeze occasionally but it seems largely related to eating/ drinking. Generally no discharge, definitely nothing like mucous or bubbles, but occasionally there IS moisture. Possibly just from drinking but not totally sure.

I have not looked inside their beaks but I will try. Also trying to find a reputable avian vet in the area.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Where are you housing them - do they have good ventilation?

 

[Helena87]

This is their coop. They sleep in there with the window open (covered in hardware cloth), and they’re out in the run all day. there is a strip of ventilation in the back as well where the wall meets the roof. I HAVE been wondering if they need more ventilation. I’m in the Hudson Valley, and it’s currently 80s in the day, upper 60s at night, but humid, rainy.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

This is their coop. They sleep in there with the window open (covered in hardware cloth), and they’re out in the run all day. there is a strip of ventilation in the back as well where the wall meets the roof. I HAVE been wondering if they need more ventilation. I’m in the Hudson Valley, and it’s currently 80s in the day, upper 60s at night, but humid, rainy.

They may need more ventilation.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/c...-go-out-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop

Any change in the swelling?