Something Wrong w/Hen’s Eye

[Iva S.]

Hello,
Today I noticed a small, pinkish lump on one of my hens’ eyes. It’s only on her right eye and none of my other birds have it. There’s no bubbling coming from the eye, nor is there any gunk coming from it. I haven’t noticed any unusual behavior from her and it’s definitely not a result of being pecked at. What could it be? An infection? Just irritated? Also, her eye is NOT swollen shut or anything, she just refused to keep it open while I was trying to take pictures. (I can try and get better pics if these aren’t clear enough)

 

[Eggcessive]

She has a lot of conjuntiva swelling (pinkeye.) What are the dark spots above her eye? Could she have been pecked or stung, or could she have fowl pox? I would be using some antibiotic ointment or drops in the eye twice a day, and clean with saline if there is any drainage or crust that forms. Terramycin eye ointment is sold in many feed stores (ask a cleark since it is locked up.) Plain neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment is also good to use if you cannot get that. What is the dark crust in the nostril and over the brow? If you suspect a respiratory infection, I would get some Tylan (tylosin) and give it orally.

 

[Iva S.]

She has a lot of conjuntiva swelling (pinkeye.) What are the dark spots above her eye? Could she have been pecked or stung, or could she have fowl pox? I would be using some antibiotic ointment or drops in the eye twice a day, and clean with saline if there is any drainage or crust that forms. Terramycin eye ointment is sold in many feed stores (ask a cleark since it is locked up.) Plain neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment is also good to use if you cannot get that. What is the dark crust in the nostril and over the brow? If you suspect a respiratory infection, I would get some Tylan (tylosin) and give it orally.

She wasn’t pecked (she’s been on her own for a bit because she had a foot injury that’s been troublesome to heal up), she could have been stung (it’s the middle of summer in Texas... there’s a LOT of bugs), and I’m pretty sure it’s not fowl pox. I hope it’s not a respiratory infection, but it’s definitely possible, especially since Rooster had one (although that was like a year ago). The dark specks above her eye was just dirt. The crust is there because she has trouble cleaning that side of her face, since her comb is large and flops over, blocking her head. As for her nose, it’s always been kinda dirty, but I try and keep it as clean as I can.

 

[Eggcessive]

Did you treat your rooster with any antibiotics for his respiratory infection last year? Tylan or tylosin can be used to treat mycoplasma or MG. MG can cause conjunctivitis. It may also cause nasal drainage and eye bubbles. Here is a link for buying tylosin (tylan) to use in the water, or you can check at some feed stores for Tylan 50 injectable which can be given orally:
https://www.jedds.com/shop/tylan-soluble-100-g/

 

[Iva S.]

Did you treat your rooster with any antibiotics for his respiratory infection last year? Tylan or tylosin can be used to treat mycoplasma or MG. MG can cause conjunctivitis. It may also cause nasal drainage and eye bubbles. Here is a link for buying tylosin (tylan) to use in the water, or you can check at some feed stores for Tylan 50 injectable which can be given orally:
https://www.jedds.com/shop/tylan-soluble-100-g/

I gave him Tylan 50 injectable. I didn’t know it could be given orally... I would have much rather done that. I also gave him VetRX.

 

[getaclue]

If the only symptom of anything is the eye, it's possible conjunctivitis (pink eye) OR it's possible the hen was scratching, and accidentally scratched her eye a little. Either way, the treatment is pretty much the same. Take tepid, not even as warm as lukewarm water, and partially fill a small bowl. Then begin stirring it with a clean finger, while slowly pouring plain table salt into the water. When the salt stops dissolving in the water, stop adding salt. Now take a cotton ball, dip it into the salty water, and apply to the eye, squeezing the cotton ball gently so some of the salt water gets into the eye. Do this 3 times a day for 5 or 6 days, making a fresh little batch, and using a new cotton ball for each application. The first application may burn just a little, but after that, it won't.

This formula works for cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, cats, chickens, and even on people. I've used this for years on various animals when they needed it, and on myself, my kids, and my grands.

 

[Eggcessive]

To make saline for use in the eyes, you can add 1/2 tsp of table salt to 1 cup of water and boil it at a simmer. For a quart, use 2 tsp (9 grams) of salt. Here is step by step instructions:
http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/PedSurgery/ColorectalProgram/SalineSolution.pdf

 

[Wyorp Rock]

The crust is there because she has trouble cleaning that side of her face, since her comb is large and flops over, blocking her head.

Does the comb normally flop over and cover the eye?
I would try to clean off all the debris that is around the head and face as well, this may prevent more gunk from falling/getting into the eye, irritating it more.

 

[Iva S.]

Does the comb normally flop over and cover the eye?
I would try to clean off all the debris that is around the head and face as well, this may prevent more gunk from falling/getting into the eye, irritating it more.

Her comb does flop over her eye, however, it’s normally pretty clean. I’ll make sure to keep an eye out though

 

[Iva S.]

If the only symptom of anything is the eye, it's possible conjunctivitis (pink eye) OR it's possible the hen was scratching, and accidentally scratched her eye a little. Either way, the treatment is pretty much the same. Take tepid, not even as warm as lukewarm water, and partially fill a small bowl. Then begin stirring it with a clean finger, while slowly pouring plain table salt into the water. When the salt stops dissolving in the water, stop adding salt. Now take a cotton ball, dip it into the salty water, and apply to the eye, squeezing the cotton ball gently so some of the salt water gets into the eye. Do this 3 times a day for 5 or 6 days, making a fresh little batch, and using a new cotton ball for each application. The first application may burn just a little, but after that, it won't.

This formula works for cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, cats, chickens, and even on people. I've used this for years on various animals when they needed it, and on myself, my kids, and my grands.

That sounds really easy to do (and it’s super useful to know.) Thank you!