Hen with Swollen eye - no other symptoms

[Alicey]

First time posting, but I have a year old New Hampshire hen that I found this evening had her eye completely swollen shut. I saw some other posts about flu and discharge or things like that. But she doesn't seem to have any of those symptoms. Her eyelid skin is dry to the touch, nostril doesn't have any discharge and she is eating and drinking fine.

I did separate her from the other chickens just to be safe. But is it possible for them to have allergic reactions? I had them out free ranging the property yesterday and she was fine last night when I locked them up in the coup area.

None of my other chicks have any issues.

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. They can get pecked in or around the eye, get debris in there that might cause infection, and have mycoplasma or other bacterial infection. I would flush out the eye with saline if you can pry it open slightly, and get some Terramycin eye ointment or Vetericyn eye gel to put inside twice a day. Look inside for any dirt, pus, or pinkeye.

 

[Alicey]

Welcome to BYC. They can get pecked in or around the eye, get debris in there that might cause infection, and have mycoplasma or other bacterial infection. I would flush out the eye with saline if you can pry it open slightly, and get some Terramycin eye ointment or Vetericyn eye gel to put inside twice a day. Look inside for any dirt, pus, or pinkeye.

I wiped her eye with a soft cloth and warm water but I couldn't pry it open. It seemed like it was glued shut (no crusty or oozing). So I am going to try again tomorrow. She started getting pretty upset so I wasn't going to risk poking at it more.

Any suggestions for getting it opened?

 

[Lochloosachicks]

I would even spray the terramycin over it. Some will get in at least and maybe some swelling will be down by tomorrow and you can get it in the eye.
I'm not sure what the experts say, but I even use the VetRx oil topically for injuries and eye infections. It's a strong natural remedy.

 

[peterlund]

I will get yelled at over this, but often i have had this happen... remember that chickens scratch themselves with their pointy toes covered in poop. So... grab her.... wipe the eye if it has any mucous, smear a good dollop of neosporin INTO IT and presto. She will be as good as new in a day or so.
Works for my girls.
Good luck

 

[Eggcessive]

You can hold her for a few minutes with a warm wet washcloth to her eye which will hopefully soften the crst that is holding it shut. Terramycin is for the eye and best, but I have used plain neosporin in an emergency. Saline is available to flush out the eye in drugstores and Walmart/Target.