severe sinusitis or ???

[Froggy58]

One side of my rooster's face has been swollen for the past 2 weeks. His eye and nostril ooze - I used to have to clean out the dried mucous from his mouth twice a day but that's improved somewhat. About a month ago is eye was kind of mattery so I put antibiotic salve in his eye and it seemed to go away. Then 2 weeks ago I noticed the severe swelling. I have him in the house now and have tried everything I can think of: herbs, garlic, herbal tea, warm compresses, eye ointment, colloidal silver, eye wash, terramycin, plus he's had 2 Baytril shots. Nothing has provided significant change. He eats fine but doesn't have a lot of energy. Anyone had this experience? My vet is baffled.

Here is a photo or a link - I hope!

Thanks!

 

[Mrs.Puff]

OH that's BAD! There are several different diseases that cause facial swelling in chickens. Is he around other birds? I hope you have him quarantined. If it were me, I would cull him. I know that's harsh, but he's really sick, and he could infect your other birds, or you might infect them.

 

[pips&peeps]

Looks like coryza.

 

[Mrs.Puff]

Yep-- that's it. I just couldn't remember what it's called. Look up "infectious coryza".

 

[BeardedChick]

Sorry about your Roo.

Also wanted to say welcome to BYC, even under difficult circumstances.

 

[Froggy58]

He lived with several hens, none of whom show any signs of illness - though I lost several of their offspring and didn't know why. I get from reading about coryza that it would be better to cull him since he could be a carrier even if his symptoms go away?

I have many, many other chickens but he and his girls were in their own condo. I shouldn't have to get rid of all of them, should I??? Thanks!

 

[Mrs.Puff]

NO, don't get rid of all of them. Just watch over them for disease. Some of them might manage to make it okay. But you have to be aware that you have a contagious disease in your flock, and you can't in good conscience give anyone any of your birds. And you can't show them. And you need to keep other chicken owners out of your coop, so they don't take germs home. Do not under any circumstances mix his girls with your other hens.

I had a few get the snorts and coughs and swelled up faces last winter, and I culled a couple of the worst ones, and the others are still with me. I think mine was a case of mycoplasmosis (chicken cold). Some are kinda snorty again this winter, but not too bad.

 

[speckledhen]

That's really bad. If it smells bad, especially, it's Coryza, I believe. Me? I'd cull him and not take a chance. I know this is difficult, though, I really do.

 

[Froggy58]

Well, darn, that's bad news because I bought a couple expensive pairs of silkies to breed for show - and had shown a couple of roo's girls in October. Wonder if they picked up something at the show? So this is a forever thing? I probably have 60 chickens, a peahen, and 32 guineas, all of whom free range except the hamburg hens.

 

[Froggy58]

okay - does anyone know about obtaining vaccine for coryza for the rest of the flock? I talked with my vet and he said it usually only comes for 25,000 vaccinations - not for the backyard poultry keeper. Thanks again.