My silkie's eye is swollen shut. What should I do (pics attached)?

[DeeBocBoc]

Ah, okay, so that has penicillin and a "mycin" type antibiotic? That might work if you can get the correct dose into her, but I suggest you keep looking for a vet willing to see chickens.

Thanks casportpony for all your advice.

 

[casportpony]

You're welcome and good luck!
You might want to read this:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...nd-supportive-care-updated-5-14-2017.1048620/

Some info there on weighing birds and keeping birds warm. Your hen looks sick, so I think keeping her inside where it's warm might be better for her.

 

[DeeBocBoc]

You're welcome and good luck!
You might want to read this:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...nd-supportive-care-updated-5-14-2017.1048620/

Some info there on weighing birds and keeping birds warm. Your hen looks sick, so I think keeping her inside where it's warm might be better for her.

Thanks!

 

[debp]

Thanks very much for the reply. I will see what I can find in town for eyes.

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

Greetings DeeBocBoc,

I agree with casportpony, the best thing would be to have a Vet look at your little girl.

She may have a couple of things going on.

Her feathers are crusty because discharge from the eye has wet them, then dried. Why was there discharge? Could be fluid from an eye injury, or, sinus discharge building into the eye from an upper respiratory infection. However, if the eye ball is cloudy, I am thinking, this is infection - resulting from another chicken pecking her eye.

The antibiotic you are purchasing is good, but I would also treat that eye. A warm wet washcloth to clean it (just water), then, apply some Terramycin (purchase at a feed/farm store) ointment to the lower lid, twice daily, for 10 days. Both of these treatments will help her, whether it is a case of injury or upper respiratory. Also, oral antibiotics work slower than injectables, so if she gets worse you may have to change to and injectable antibiotic. Remember to provide a good probiotic supplement, after antibiotic treatments are completed, to restore the intestinal flora.

Her fluffed feathers could be from being broody, or, a chicken can fluff up and hide when they are sick too. So, you should be vigilant for additional symptoms. As it is also common for a simple injury to weaken a chicken's immune system, and then a secondary infection can arise.

It is best to isolate her from the rest of the flock in a hospital crate, box or large tub with bedding, paper or a towel. It will be easier to take care of her and protect her. Keep her out of drafts and provide good supportive care (clean and quite enviroment, fresh food, clean water). She should be eating, drinking, and pooping normally.

Monitor her progress, even if she gets to see a Vet.

So, these are my thoughts based on what have said, and my experience. I sincerely hope they are helpful.
You will get advice from other members, please consider these, too.

God Bless to you and your little hen!

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I agree @Hen Pen Jem

 

[DeeBocBoc]

Greetings DeeBocBoc,

I agree with casportpony, the best thing would be to have a Vet look at your little girl.

She may have a couple of things going on.

Her feathers are crusty because discharge from the eye has wet them, then dried. Why was there discharge? Could be fluid from an eye injury, or, sinus discharge building into the eye from an upper respiratory infection. However, if the eye ball is cloudy, I am thinking, this is infection - resulting from another chicken pecking her eye.

The antibiotic you are purchasing is good, but I would also treat that eye. A warm wet washcloth to clean it (just water), then, apply some Terramycin (purchase at a feed/farm store) ointment to the lower lid, twice daily, for 10 days. Both of these treatments will help her, whether it is a case of injury or upper respiratory. Also, oral antibiotics work slower than injectables, so if she gets worse you may have to change to and injectable antibiotic. Remember to provide a good probiotic supplement, after antibiotic treatments are completed, to restore the intestinal flora.

Her fluffed feathers could be from being broody, or, a chicken can fluff up and hide when they are sick too. So, you should be vigilant for additional symptoms. As it is also common for a simple injury to weaken a chicken's immune system, and then a secondary infection can arise.

It is best to isolate her from the rest of the flock in a hospital crate, box or large tub with bedding, paper or a towel. It will be easier to take care of her and protect her. Keep her out of drafts and provide good supportive care (clean and quite enviroment, fresh food, clean water). She should be eating, drinking, and pooping normally.

Monitor her progress, even if she gets to see a Vet.

So, these are my thoughts based on what have said, and my experience. I sincerely hope they are helpful.
You will get advice from other members, please consider these, too.

God Bless to you and your little hen!

Thank you so much for your advice and direction. I will bring her inside this evening when I get home. She is such a darling and I want her to feel better as soon as possible!

 

[casportpony]

Thank you so much for your advice and direction. I will bring her inside this evening when I get home. She is such a darling and I want her to feel better as soon as possible!

Get a kitchen scale and get a baseline weight on her because you will need to monitor her for weight loss.

 

[DeeBocBoc]

Get a kitchen scale and get a baseline weight on her because you will need to monitor her for weight loss.[/QUOTE
Thanks. Will do that tonight. She has seemed a little on the lighter side this week.

 

[casportpony]

Thanks. Will do that tonight. She has seemed a little on the lighter side this week.

That's to be expected when they aren't feeling well. Hopefully getting her inside and on the medication will help.