Help With Chicken - Dry and Swollen Around Eyes

Hi Everyone,

I noticed a problem with one of my ladies this morning. She has been broody so I have not seen her much recently. With closer inspection, two of my other chickens might have the start of the same thing. Although it is hard to tell as they are older and might just be wrinkly.

1) What type of bird , age and weight.
Black sex link, 1 1/2 years old - she has it for sure (see picture)
Barred Rock, 5 years old - Pretty sure she has it, just much milder. There is a small raised bruise amongst the affected area.
Buff Orpington, 6 years old - really not sure if she has it, or not.

2) What is the behavior, exactly.
The behavior is totally normal. I noticed the Sex Link was shaking her head a bit when she first came out of the coop, which is when I noticed it.

3) How long has the bird been exhibiting symptoms?
Just noticed today. But I have not looked at the broody hen for a few days.

4) Are other birds exhibiting the same symptoms?
Maybe the two older ladies.

5) Is there any bleeding, injury, broken bones or other sign of trauma.
Nope

6) What happened, if anything that you know of, that may have caused the situation.
I wonder if it is exacerbated in the broody hen because she sits in a nesting box all day for the past several weeks.

7) What has the bird been eating and drinking, if at all.
Layer crumble and they are free around my garden.

8) How does the poop look? Normal? Bloody? Runny? etc.
Not sure as they have all been hanging with the flock. I will keep an eye on this.

9) What has been the treatment you have administered so far?
I separated them. I took the pic to the feed store and they suspected mites and gave me powder and anti-biotic ointment.

10 ) What is your intent as far as treatment? For example, do you want to treat completely yourself, or do you need help in stabilizing the bird til you can get to a vet?
Depends on what is going on. I am comfortable treating on my own, as they are not acting sick.

11) If you have a picture of the wound or condition, please post it. It may help.
See below

12) Describe the housing/bedding in use
Pine shaving floor in a wooden house with free access to a large area outside.

 

Working on the picture. I can't get it to work for some reason. I will keep trying...

Thanks,
Laura

 

Hi Brahma Mamma,
Thanks for the idea. I would rather try something like that then the poison. Does the wood ash work ongoing to keep the mites down?