Help with Eye Ailment

[FarmerGirl101]

Hopefully! Don't feel too worried if it takes longer than a few weeks. She might hang behind but as long as she is eating and drinking then she'll be good. Chickens are very resilient.

 

[Bigfishbobby]

Thanks @FarmerGirl101 . Do you think there is any benefit to giving her some Baytril for the infection? I have that on hand if it will be of any benefit.

 

[FarmerGirl101]

You could. From what I can tell online it is more for bacterial infections that are on the skin, respiratory system, and urinary tract. The FDA did also pull the use of this medication for use in poultry via water administration due to the increase of fluoroquinolone resistance in a specific bacteria that is a human pathogen. Using it once should not be an issue but think carefully. I personally would not just since the applications of it does not meet your desired use for it.

There is a specific eye ointment called "Terramycin" that is good for eye infections. This is what I would use instead if you have it on hand. It does require a prescription but it is something that could help with the infection. Unsure what the impact with the vision would be. I've used it myself on a rooster of mine who had an eye issue and it helped.

Disclaimer, I'm not a vet but this is just my two cents. If I were in your shoes, this would be my course of action.

 

[Bigfishbobby]

Thanks. No reason to waste what little Baytril I have on hand. I don’t have the Terramycin and like a lot of other people, we live a rural lifestyle with no chicken vets around. I did try in the past to get some help from the equine vets but they basically said no thanks even though I was only seeking some very generic type help at the time. Sounds like it will just have to run its course unfortunately. Thanks for all your help!

 

[FarmerGirl101]

Yeah, unfortunately many vets don't see chickens. I live near a big city area and also near big agricultural land and still can't manage to find a vet that sees chickens in either area. Hope it goes well for her! It will take time but she'll be better than ever. Of course!

 

[Eggcessive]

When my hen got pecked in the eye, I used plain Neosporin/triple antibiotic ointment in the eye twice a day to help prevent infection. You can buy that or Polysporin eye drops without a prescription. Since Terramycin is now prescription in many places, that is a good replacement.

 

[FarmerGirl101]

I didn't realize you could use that. That's great to know! Will definitely add to my first aid kit.