Swollen chicken head?

firexpunch

In the Brooder
Jan 25, 2024
13
17
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Hey everyone.
This post concerns my almost four year old bantam cochin, Pudding. My dad found her this morning and said she looked ill so he isolated her. I took a look and she's definitely not herself. She's usually a bit timid but has some sass in her, loves eating those dried worms. She hadn't touched the ones in her box, so that already is unusual. On top of that, I noticed some swelling around her eyes, mostly above. I've googled what this could mean but am getting different results. I thought it couldn't hurt to check here. Pudding is already a bit weaker than her sisters, always has been, but she always gets on top again and cheers up. She's super lethargic, eyes closed and swaying a bit. I'm keeping her close to me and have tried to get her to drink and eat, but no luck so far. Any advice? See pictures for the swelling. Thanks in advance!
 

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Something that might also have impacted her immune system (most definitely) is that we have those bloodlice. My parents decided to try to fight them with vinegar mixed with water first, but seem to have realized this just isn't enough. We will be investing in insecticide, hopefully that get's rid of them. Pudding was pretty weakened from those, she had been broody and sucked almost dry. Had her with me for a bit and she cheered up. Now this. She is one unlucky chicken.
 
Hi! Can you give her cooked ground beef, liver if you have it. Need to boost her iron and nutrient levels. Give her watermelon to boost blood glucose and whet her appetite.
Offer nutri drench in her water every other day.
 
I've offered her some spinach, she's not very interested so far. Got her to drink a few gulps of water at least. Will get some cooked ground beef for her later if she's still rejecting, will check for some watermelon as well.
 
There's a spoonfull of sugar in her water. I'll try to get her to eat some apple later, she always loves that stuff.
Edit: put some more sugar and spinach in the water and she is enjoying it loads, will update more later.
 
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Alright. After a night indoors, spinach and sugar water, Pudding is doing good. Swollen head isn't as obvious, honestly unsure what that was. Whole coop is being treated for bloodlice and the chickens themselves will be cleansed when they're a little less anxious from the weird smell. Pudding even did an egg today. Thanks for input
 

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