Rooster’s Eye Swollen

[Libby the Chicken]

Hello. I recently went to my chicken coop to regulate the food and water containers and check for eggs, when I noticed one of my rooster’s (brown red serama mix) eye had something on it. When I looked closer, the eye seemed closed shut with some material covering it, and the other eye was perfectly fine (he could see through that eye). He only shares the section of the coop with one hen. What are the causes for this? Future preventions? And what treatment(s) do you recommend?Thank you!

 

[Libby the Chicken]

I’m not sure if it was because of the rooster accidentally scratching his eye after stepping in manure or if it’s a sign of a respiratory disease or Coryza. I’m not sure what to put on it, I was wondering if flushable non alcoholic wipes or normal
over- the-counter eye drops could be used. ( I wasn’t sure because human eyes are different) Thank you!

 

[Libby the Chicken]

I’m not sure if it was because of the rooster accidentally scratching his eye after stepping in manure or if it’s a sign of a respiratory disease or Coryza. I’m not sure what to put on it, I was wondering if flushable non alcoholic wipes or normal
over- the-counter eye drops could be used. ( I wasn’t sure because human eyes are different) Thank you!

When using the flushable wipes, I was able to loosen some of the debris/Crustiness, but had this dome-shaped film (now on the top of his eye) and I stopped applying slight pressure with the wipes at that point because I was worried that it would damage his eyelid (I wasn’t sure if it was his eyelid or the debris/pus so when I was gently removing it, I didn’t want to remove his eyelid) is there any better methods or materials you would recommend to fight this?

 

[CluckerFamily]

How is the rest of the flock?
My first thought was fowl pox but this is caused from mosquitoes.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would use a warm wet folded wash cloth held to the eye for a few minutes to soften the dried pus, so that you could clean it up. Pus in eyes can be a sign of respiratory disease, an eye injury, or something getting into the eye causing an infection. Saline or eye wash can be used to flush out the eye. Clean it all out with Qtips or tweezers. Notice if there is a bad odor from the eye or beak. Then apply Terramycin eye ointment 2-3 times a day after cleaning the eye. If you cannot get that or an eyedrop, use plain Neosporin or Triple Antibiotic Ointment.

Respiratory diseases are contagious and may also cause sneezing, nasal drainage, gasping, or noisy breathing.

 

[Libby the Chicken]

How is the rest of the flock?
My first thought was fowl pox but this is caused from mosquitoes.

The rest of the flock seems to be fine. They are eating and drinking and aren’t showing any signs of sickness at this moment. They also are active and foraging.

 

[Libby the Chicken]

I would use a warm wet folded wash cloth held to the eye for a few minutes to soften the dried pus, so that you could clean it up. Pus in eyes can be a sign of respiratory disease, an eye injury, or something getting into the eye causing an infection. Saline or eye wash can be used to flush out the eye. Clean it all out with Qtips or tweezers. Notice if there is a bad odor from the eye or beak. Then apply Terramycin eye ointment 2-3 times a day after cleaning the eye. If you cannot get that or an eyedrop, use plain Neosporin or Triple Antibiotic Ointment.

Respiratory diseases are contagious and may also cause sneezing, nasal drainage, gasping, or noisy breathing.

Thank you for the tips! I will look at him today again and try to loosen up some of that pus. When removing the pus, how would you know that you aren’t damaging his eyelid? I can’t really get a good view of his eye at all and I’m worried I might damage his eyelid when removing the pus. Should I isolate him from his hen?