Quail Eyes Filling With Mucous; What To Give?

[Sir Eggcellent]

Hi everyone,
I have two quail (one of which is our favorite, of course) that have had one of their eyes start filling with a mucous-like substance- this causes them to keep that eye closed, though they seem to be able to open it at times. They are probably slightly more lethargic than the others, but not excessively - One was running around crowing when I noticed it. These have not been outside the house, though it is possible they could have come in contact with items from outdoors.

I am worried about it spreading to the others, potentially being fatal, etc. Any ideas what illness it could be? What would you give them for it? I have switched them back to medicated chick starter for the time being.

Image below, as we flushed one bird's eye out with saline on the advice of a friend.

 

[Eggcessive]

How is the air quality in your quail pen? Is there any dust or ammonia odor, or a lack of good ventilation? Have you added any new birds recently from another source? Mycoplasma gallisepticum or MG is a chronic respiratory disease that canncause conjunctivitis (pinkeye) and sinus infection in many species of birds and poultry. It could be that or irritation to the eyes. I would rinse and clean the eyes with saline eye wash, and apply a small dot of plain Neosporin ointment twice a day. Tylosin may be available from a pigeon supply online and can be put in water. Here is some reading:
https://extension.umd.edu/sites/ext... Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) Infecti....pdf

 

[Sir Eggcellent]

How is the air quality in your quail pen? Is there any dust or ammonia odor, or a lack of good ventilation? Have you added any new birds recently from another source? Mycoplasma gallisepticum or MG is a chronic respiratory disease that canncause conjunctivitis (pinkeye) and sinus infection in many species of birds and poultry. It could be that or irritation to the eyes. I would rinse and clean the eyes with saline eye wash, and apply a small dot of plain Neosporin ointment twice a day. Tylosin may be available from a pigeon supply online and can be put in water. Here is some reading:
https://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/_docs/programs/poultry/FS-1008 Recognizing and Preventing Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) Infecti....pdf

They live in a giant 100+ gallon aquarium (quailarium?), so I guess probably not good airflow from the side - they have a screen over the top. There have been no new birds added, though I am expecting around 200 chicks in a week from my incubators, which is part of what makes me nervous and want to jump on this fast.

Our typical recipe is to put diatomaceous earth in the bottom of the tank, then cover the bottom with pine shavings, and add quail. Self-stirs. Serves the curiosity of 3 humans and one mischievous dog.

 

[Eggcessive]

The DE can be harsh on eyes and breathing. I don’t use the stuff.

 

[Sir Eggcellent]

The DE can be harsh on eyes and breathing. I don’t use the stuff.

Do you think it is worth getting a state vet out to test for Mycoplasma gallisepticum, or just treat symptoms and hope it isn't?

 

[Eggcessive]

That would be up to you. In some states, the poultry vet may get involved if there is a positive test. I am all for testing, but you can also use a commercial lab such as Zoologix to privately test your bird for MG or a respiratory panel for multiple diseases. It is my understanding that they mail upyou 3 swabs to collect and send back in for pcr testing. The state lab would probably be less expensive. Here is a link for Zoologix:
http://www.zoologix.com/avian/Datasheets/PoultryRespiratoryPanel.htm