Silkies rescued, sickly, and weak.

[jha31452]

This morning all their eyes are swollen shut. They aren't sneezing, nor do they have any discharge from nose or mouth. Could it still be respiratory infection?
Upon closer inspection, I think they've also got lice. Will the poultry dust take care of lice too?
As suggested, I don't want to overwhelm their systems......what do you suggest I do first?

 

[jenifern]

This morning all their eyes are swollen shut. They aren't sneezing, nor do they have any discharge from nose or mouth. Could it still be respiratory infection?
Upon closer inspection, I think they've also got lice. Will the poultry dust take care of lice too?
As suggested, I don't want to overwhelm their systems......what do you suggest I do first?

can you share some images? I'm sorry that they aren't doing well, poor little things

I would probably dust them, yes. I put mine in an old pillow case sprinkle the dusting powder in then put the chicken in with their head sticking out. This will keep down the dust to avoid irritating their eyes even more. Wear a mask and old clothes. I would probably then try to add some oxytetracycline to their water or similar meds available to you, you may have to give it to them with a dropper if they can't open their eyes to see. Polysporin smeared over their eyes might help too, but as a previous poster mentioned make sure it's plain with no pain relievers in it, just the antibiotic.

 

[ten chicks]

How old are birds? My concern is either Coryza or Mycoplasma. Any swelling of wattles/head?

 

[jha31452]

I think the only things swollen are their eyes. (The previous owner told me it was from mosquito bites??)
She also told me that they were only a couple of weeks old, but I think they are more like 6-8 weeks old.

I purchased the Permethrin 10, Tylan 50, and the Ivomec. Not sure what to do first. I think I'll dust them and put Vaseline on their legs and feet. They are very lethargic today.

 

[jenifern]

I think the only things swollen are their eyes. (The previous owner told me it was from mosquito bites??)
She also told me that they were only a couple of weeks old, but I think they are more like 6-8 weeks old.

I purchased the Permethrin 10, Tylan 50, and the Ivomec. Not sure what to do first. I think I'll dust them and put Vaseline on their legs and feet. They are very lethargic today.

I would measure up some Tylan and get that in them asap. I'm going to say infectious Coryza. Though you say there is no sneezing or discharge from the nose right? You have to be careful with chicks and dusting powder, especially in this sort of weakened state, just go easy on it I would say. Poor little thing

 

[jenifern]

as horrible as this sounds, if it is Coryza this is what I have read about it:

If infection occurs, complete depopulation followed by thorough cleaning/disinfecting is the only means for eliminating the disease.
A number of drugs are effective for treating the symptoms of the disease although the disease is never completely eliminated. Sulfadimethoxine or sulfathiazole in the feed or water or erythromycin administered in the drinking water can reduce the symptoms of this disease.

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/common-chicken-illnesses-and-treatments.html

ETA: the mosquito bite things makes me wonder too. I wonder about West Nile virus??

 

[jenifern]

how are they doing this morning?

 

[jha31452]

They don't seem to be doing any better. Eyes are still swollen shut, but no nasel discharge. Although I am keeping them very far away from my older chickens, I can't help but think I may be endangering their health. This is very scary.

 

[jenifern]

They don't seem to be doing any better. Eyes are still swollen shut, but no nasel discharge. Although I am keeping them very far away from my older chickens, I can't help but think I may be endangering their health. This is very scary.

With anything serious it will take some time for them to come back. I do agree that you have probably put your others at risk, but it's likely too late at this point. If one passes it would probably be good to send it away for testing to know exactly what you are dealing with.

 

[Eggcessive]

They don't seem to be doing any better. Eyes are still swollen shut, but no nasel discharge. Although I am keeping them very far away from my older chickens, I can't help but think I may be endangering their health. This is very scary.

Can you get one of the sick birds tested? Your state vet could get you in touch with your local NPIP tester, or at least tell you what to do. Mycoplasma doesn't travel very far in the air, but coryza is just an awful disease, and I'm sure you wouldn't want that in your flock. Even if you get them better, they will be positive carriers. Knowing what you are dealing with would make it easier to know your options. Plus the medications used are different for the two diseases. Here is the link for finding your state vet: http://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/AnimalHealth/statevets.aspx