Pekin (Cochin) Bantam pullet with swelling around eyes.

[thecatumbrella]

9 weeks-old. Suspected roo (if that matters). Noticed the swelling around her eyes when I snapped some photos yesterday. I'm almost positive this is just the breed confirmation -- I see a lot of adult pekins with puffiness around the eyes -- but wanted to post a picture here just to make sure.

 

[Eggcessive]

What does the opposite side look like? Is there any nasal drainage, bubbles in one eye, head shaking, swallowing of mucus, sneezing, or gasping? Those are common signs of a respiratory infection.

 

[thecatumbrella]

What does the opposite side look like?

This is such a commonsense question that I completely glossed over (long day yesterday). I'm going out to see them later this morning, so I'll give her a look. No other symptoms. If it's present on both sides, would it be safe to assume it's just her face maturing? All my mottled girls are started to get some red around the eyes.

 

[Eggcessive]

Both eyes could become swollen if she has had symptoms for a few days, but usually only one side of the face swells with a sinus infection at first. Lethargy or sleepiness is common with respiratory symptoms. Sometimes they can get bumped or have an insect sting that will cause temporary swelling, so keep that in mind as well.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Both eyes could become swollen if she has had symptoms for a few days, but usually only one side of the face swells with a sinus infection at first. Lethargy or sleepiness is common with respiratory symptoms. Sometimes they can get bumped or have an insect sting that will cause temporary swelling, so keep that in mind as well.

Got a good look at her. If there's any swelling on the other side, it's minimal. Nose and eyes look good. No respiratory symptoms. She's my sleepiest chicken, for sure, but she's always been like that. Hard to say if it's related.

Could she possibly have gotten sunburnt? They're still learning their limits, and this one loves to fall asleep while sunbathing.

 

[Eggcessive]

They usually know where to find shade if it is available. I would see if she bumped it, perhaps by being chased or stung by a bee or wasp. I wouldn’t worry unless she shows other symptoms, or if she has been around a new chicken or someone else with chickens has come to visit. They can get respiratory diseases if we track them in on shoes, clothing, equipment, visitors, migrating birds, and neighbors with sick chickens.

 

[thecatumbrella]

They usually know where to find shade if it is available. I would see if she bumped it, perhaps by being chased or stung by a bee or wasp. I wouldn’t worry unless she shows other symptoms, or if she has been around a new chicken or someone else with chickens has come to visit. They can get respiratory diseases if we track them in on shoes, clothing, equipment, visitors, migrating birds, and neighbors with sick chickens.

Good to know. We have pretty good biosecurity, except we're still working on getting a chicken boot setup (so stuff from the yard can get tracked in). I'll keep an eye on her and follow up with the vet if she starts showing more symptoms.

Thanks for your help!