Swollen around the eyes and face

[SweetSilver]

What is up?

This started as Bella went into a round of broodiness. She is out of that, now, but still not looking great. She seems a bit sluggish, but not lethargic. She is getting picked on a little by one hen. She doesn't seem that bad, but not good either. I don't see any sign of mites, as far as her uberfluffy cochin body can tell me, and her vent looks good.



One side. Looked worse yesterday.





Other side close up.



Full view, left side. Some of the comb injury is from getting picked on.

 

[Eggcessive]

Swelling around the face and eyes is from sinus swelling and usually is a sign of respiratory disease. Mycoplasma, coryza, infectious bronchitis, and ILT are some more common ones.Here is a site to read up on them: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044 Treatment is for the bacterial diseases or to prevent secondary infection in viruses, and include Tylan injections or oral use, and Duramycin 10 in the water.

 

[SweetSilver]

Taking note. There are no other symptoms, though. No discharge, no funny breathing, no odd feces. This has been going on (and off) for about 6 weeks, even more I think. I'll go back and check and spend some more time in the coop.

Should I give them antibiotics as a flock? This has not been acute at all and all the other birds look fine. They are isolated from other flocks. I would agree with sinus swelling, but as I read up on the various respiratory diseases, I'm not seeing anything that stands out.

 

[SweetSilver]

What I'm seeing now is that this might be swelling related to her comb injury, which could be infected (see the back side of the comb from the right side of face). She is showing no signs of a bronchial infection, though I am keeping a close watch (and ear!) Her stool is normal, her habits are normal except she is looking a little under the weather. I put her in our "chickie pod" (mobile greenhouse) to eat (she's hungry!) and drink in peace which she is doing with vigor. ("Mom, she's not eating she exploring now.")

I'm still going to look for some antibiotics for her, because I don't know if I can soak and treat an infection around her eyes without getting it in her eyes.

Feeling a little better now. I wasn't convinced of a respiratory infection, and now I'm even less convinced. I won't let my guard down entirely, but I'm feeling more optimistic. Now off to look for antibiotics.