Swollen around one eye

[twobirds]

Hi there, Last Friday (4 days ago) we noticed one of our chickens had some mild swelling around one eye. She had no other signs, was eating etc. My boyfriend had noticed one of the more dominant chickens had chased her while they were free ranging so we thought maybe it was bruised or she got something in it; I washed it with saline. Of course we were going away for the weekend so asked the pet sitter to keep an eye out (no pun intended) and didn't hear anything. When we got back yesterday the area around the eye was more puffy - still no respiratory signs, no foaming or discharge, nose, ear, and oral cavity clear, no sneezing, but she did feel thinner. I'm sorry I don't have a picture because the camera on my phone is broken This chicken is the most docile of the 6 ladies and I admit I spoil her.

We noticed at the same time the other chickens, led by the dominant one, were being aggressive towards her and not allowing her to the food or water, so we put her in a separate coop/run where she ate and drank a lot. Her droppings were more watery and green than usual. This morning she laid her egg and is 'talking' to me, though might be quiet (but maybe confused by her separation?), still eating and drinking and now ranging around the yard.

The eye area seems about 50% better today and I bought and started Terramycin ointment. Now I'm reading about MG and other respiratory diseases and worried! All 6 came from private flocks (2 different ones) and we have had them for 15 months with no problems except a round of tapeworms last fall - these are our first chickens. Should I think about Tylan in case there is respiratory disease or do you think this could this be from the aggression? Thank you!

 

[Little Chicken Girl]

I know what you mean about spoiling the sweet, docile ones... I'm guilty.

If she is active, eating, drinking, respirating normally (beak closed and virtually no noise caused by breathing) with no nasal discharge and laying as usual, I would not be to concerned about respiratory infection... Given the circumstances and description, injury is my first guess.
However, this is just a guess based on a description...
A pic would help a lot.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would just use the Terramycin ointment and watch her. If she becomes lethargic, or starts having more symptoms that could be mycoplasma (MG,) then I would get some Tylan 50 injectable. Dosage is 0.2 ml per pound 3 times a day for 3-5 days. You will need several 3 ml syringes, 22 gauge needles, and then remove the needle to give the medicine orally. Hopefully, it is just a peck wound from bullying. Good luck.