Missing Eye

[SSO202]

We were doing some coop work and had the hens in a kennel for a day and I think one of them lost an eye. I would assume things like this happen as they establish the pecking order etc, but is it something I should be concerned about and render treatment to the hen? Thanks for any advice or comments on the situation.

 

[Oblio13]

We have a hen with a missing eye. She compensates.

 

[Jenski]

Do you mean that one of the other chickens actually pecked her eye out? If that is what you mean, my personal feeling is that this is some serious violence going on, and I would separate the injured hen immediately and provide medical attention. My preference would be taking the hen to a veterinarian for something that serious.

I would also find the culprit(s) and act accordingly - either by placing them in separate quarters, culling, etc.

Good luck.

 

[chicknmania]

When we first had chickens we used to consult a lot with our farmer neighbor who sold eggs and had a large flock. We had one with an eye problem and he told me how to treat it. When I said I was concerned about the chicken losing an eye, he said "that's why they have two

" Anyway, are you sure the eye is gone? I would rinse it gently with saline or people eye wash, treat with terramycin eye gel (spread around the eye and even over it) twice a day for a few days, to combat infection and give it a chance to heal. Watch for signs of lethargy too, and maybe treat with terramycin water soluble powder in that case, in the drinking water, 4 tsp per gallon. If you use the powder don't eat her eggs for two to three weeks after you're done treating her.

 

[SSO202]

Thank you all for the advice. I haven't done a close examination as they are new to me. I will hold her and check closely and follow you advice on treatment. My wife said the eye is gone, but it maybe swollen or infected making it look as though the eye is gone. My hens I guess haven't been that violent.