need advice please

[kiddywinks5]

Hi everybody, as i am new to owning chickens i really need some advice on my little ladys eye.. 2 weeks ago i bought two pekin bantams. They are free to roam around my garden all day and then at night they go into my shed where they have 4 beds to choose from.
The first week i bought them Marge had a cut near her comb which soon scabbed over and i still dont know how it happened and now 3 days ago Marge came out of the shed with what looked like a swollen eye but could still see through it, today she can not open it at all. I have picked her up and had a good look at the eye and its still swollen with blood around it. Marge is the boss which makes me think that it cant be an injury which Mavis could of caused. Mavis is so soft and ive witnessed Marge really bully her even if Mavis has got into Marges bed.
Marge is still laying an egg everyday and has no problem in eating and drinking and still chases my son around for the tub of mealworm.
Please could someone advise me on what i should do, is there something i can do for her at home or does she really need to see a vet? Shes not keen on me trying to clean the eye
Thank you xx

 

[RhodeIslandRedFan]

Hello, kiddywinks5. It sounds like she was either pecked or injured it somehow. Regardless, it would be helpful to wash the area. Since it's around the eye, I would use plain water, then apply Neosporin on the area. It is OK if the Neosporin goes in the eye (from what I've read on this site). Is it possible for you to post a close-up picture of her eye, so that folks on here have a better idea of what it looks like and how to help you?

Here is a link to information on conjunctivitis (eye infection) I don't know if this will be helpful or not. Eye swelling can be due to many causes, including respiratory infection, so a picture would really be helpful, if that is possible.
http://www.avianweb.com/avianconjunctivitis.html

 

[kiddywinks5]

Thank you very much RhodeIslandRedFan!

hope this helps x

 

[RhodeIslandRedFan]

That looks uncomfortable. It looks like some type of injury to me but I am no expert. Is there any discharge or oozing, or any odor? Did you try washing it? Any other symptoms, like wheezing or trouble breathing? If you have someone to help you, you might want to hold a wet washcloth or cloth on her eye for a time and see if you can gently try to open her eyelids. Again, apply Neosporin 2-3 times a day for a day or 2 to see if this helps. Also, if there is blood or the area is red, your other chickens might be pecking her eye. Separating her for a few days until this clears up would keep others from pecking her eye. Maybe someone with more experience will offer additional advice. This is about all I can think of to help you.

Please keep us posted!

 

[jennh]

I would DEFINITELY put some antibiotic on that. Chickens seem to encapsulate their infections, and you could have a mess on your hands. JMHO

 

[RhodeIslandRedFan]

I searched this site for information on eye injuries. Here is a link to a thread that gives advice on eye washing. You may find others if you do further searches.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=264466

 

[kiddywinks5]

The more i look at Marge the more it seems like an injury to me too. My husband held her yesterday whilst i cleaned the eye with cooled boiled water, she wasnt happy but after a few minutes kind of liked it. There is no discharge, oozing or smell and whilst i was cleaning it i can feel the scab. She has no problems with breathing either.Her nose is dry. I will get a warm cloth on it today and hold it there for a while, but to be honest im not looking forward to trying to open it. I dont want to make it any worse than what it is. Where do i buy Neosporin from?? I have tried to google it and im told it has been discontinued in the uk. If i cant get hold of Neosporin what other cream or ointment could i use? Will i have problems seperating them? what i mean by this is will one not fret for the other or if i put her back in when they eye is good will they not fight? Do i just seperate them at night or through the day too? I am seriously clueless and get a headache from all the constant thinking lol
Thanks for all your help guys!!! xx