GRAPHIC! Chick with severely swollen face

[Kathy Golla]

Please let us know, huskerhens18!

 

[aliciaFarmer]

Okay thank you! I really appreciate that!!

You're so welcome. I was sad for your baby so thought I'd ask my friend. She's never had less than 40 chickens at any given time in the past decade and a half so she's my offline "go to" (if I can't find answers here first).

I didn't notice the crusty bits though. Good call from those who did.

 

[HuskerHens18]

It could be something in the sinus, or an abscess too.

I don’t think the Benedryl will hurt him, if his face starts to swell it may be something else.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/hen-with-swollen-sinus.1248905/#post-20036835

I'll probably give him a little tonight, the vet finally called back and said he wants to see the chick early tomorrow morning. I will definitely update with what I find out!

You're so welcome. I was sad for your baby so thought I'd ask my friend. She's never had less than 40 chickens at any given time in the past decade and a half so she's my offline "go to" (if I can't find answers here first).

I didn't notice the crusty bits though. Good call from those who did.

I had 108, but after recent events I'm down to 97. I've always kept close eye on my flock's health and these last two weeks just have me stumped on what's killing my birds. Even the vet is stumped, we're hoping the necropsy will comeback with answers. When I saw my poor baby with this swelling I was scared he was sick with something new.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

It looks like respiratory infection - I see swollen eye with mucous from the nostrils, does the bird have a bit of trouble breathing as well?

Is there a strong odor to the eye discharge or mucous?
Mycoplasma, Infectious Coryza, Infectious Bronchitis or ILT are fairly common. You will want to see if you can remove the pus from the eye- flush with saline, then press on the lump under the eye to see if any of the pus will come out, keep flushing if it's loosened. Then apply an ophthalmic ointment like Terramycin to the eye. Clear the mucous away from the nostrils may help with the breathing a little.

Have you looked inside the beak for any plaques, lesions or canker? Seeking vet care is always best. You can try Tylan50 which is an antibiotic that can help with secondary infection, but will not cure a respiratory illness.

Do what you can to get fluids into your bird. I would not give Benadryl, it is not effective against respiratory disease. It can be used to reduce swelling due to allergic reactions to insect bites.

 

[HuskerHens18]

It looks like respiratory infection - I see swollen eye with mucous from the nostrils, does the bird have a bit of trouble breathing as well?

Is there a strong odor to the eye discharge or mucous?
Mycoplasma, Infectious Coryza, Infectious Bronchitis or ILT are fairly common. You will want to see if you can remove the pus from the eye- flush with saline, then press on the lump under the eye to see if any of the pus will come out, keep flushing if it's loosened. Then apply an ophthalmic ointment like Terramycin to the eye. Clear the mucous away from the nostrils may help with the breathing a little.

Have you looked inside the beak for any plaques, lesions or canker? Seeking vet care is always best. You can try Tylan50 which is an antibiotic that can help with secondary infection, but will not cure a respiratory illness.

Do what you can to get fluids into your bird. I would not give Benadryl, it is not effective against respiratory disease. It can be used to reduce swelling due to allergic reactions to insect bites.

He seems to be breathing fine.
No, no smell.
I have a vet appointment bright and early tomorrow, he's a good chicken vet.
I did not open his mouth up today, but I did on Saturday and everything was normal. Obviously things could change by then, I'll look.
He's trying his best to drink on his own, I'll give him a syringe full tonight.
I haven't given any benedryl yet so I won't.
Thank you! I'll update with what we find out tomorrow!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Let us know what you find out.

 

[aliciaFarmer]

I'd love to have 108 chickens. ♡

Good luck at the vet tomorrow.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I see some nasal discharge which is indicative of a respiratory infection. I hope the necropsy and your vet will be able to find a solution to what is ailing your chickens.

 

[Dawnclucks22]

If it happened as fast as you said I’m guessing a sting or bite of some sort. Has the swelling subsided at all today?

I agree, probably some sort of bite or sting.

 

[4 ever Orpington]

He seems to be breathing fine.
No, no smell.
I have a vet appointment bright and early tomorrow, he's a good chicken vet.
I did not open his mouth up today, but I did on Saturday and everything was normal. Obviously things could change by then, I'll look.
He's trying his best to drink on his own, I'll give him a syringe full tonight.
I haven't given any benedryl yet so I won't.
Thank you! I'll update with what we find out tomorrow!

Praying your sweet baby that all goes well.