Why is my chicken’s eye swollen shut

[NNations]

I noticed this afternoon that one of my girl’s eyes are swollen shut. I don’t know if she was like that this morning because my husband let them out of the coop and I have not been out to clean until now. The other side will open but it looks like she’s having trouble with it too. Any ideas? She laid an egg today. I’ll attach a picture for reference. Thank you!

 

[Eggcessive]

A lot of the time a swollen eye is due to a respiratory disease, such as mycoplasma (MG) or coryza. It can also be infected with E.coli or other bacteria. Occasionally a peck wound, tick bite, or eye infection may be the reason. It looks like there is some dried nasal drainage around the nostril. Can you see any bubbles or pus in the eye? Do you hear any sneezing or labored breathing?

I would rinse the eye with saline, and get some antibiotic ointment to put in the eye twice a day. Terramcyin or Vetropolycin eye ointment from the feed store, or plain neosporin will work. If you suspect a respiratory sinus infection, you can try Tylan 50 injectable given orally 1/4 ml per piund of weight, 3 times daily for 5 days.

 

[NNations]

Anyone know if I can use this on her eye?

 

[NNations]

A lot of the time a swollen eye is due to a respiratory disease, such as mycoplasma (MG) or coryza. It can also be infected with E.coli or other bacteria. Occasionally a peck wound, tick bite, or eye infection may be the reason. It looks like there is some dried nasal drainage around the nostril. Can you see any bubbles or pus in the eye? Do you hear any sneezing or labored breathing?

I would rinse the eye with saline, and get some antibiotic ointment to put in the eye twice a day. Terramcyin or Vetropolycin eye ointment from the feed store, or plain neosporin will work. If you suspect a respiratory sinus infection, you can try Tylan 50 injectable given orally 1/4 ml per piund of weight, 3 times daily for 5 days.

Thank you! I didn’t try opening it but I’ll look and see if there is any puss. Also didn’t notice any labored breathing or wheezing.

 

[Eggcessive]

Yes, Vetericyn is good to use twice a day, instead of the antibiotic ointment. But do check for bubbles or puss.

 

[NNations]

Yes, Vetericyn is good to use twice a day, instead of the antibiotic ointment. But do check for bubbles or puss.

I could not get it open to see the eye but didn't see any bubbles or puss on the other eye. I'll treat her twice with my Vetericyn and see how that goes. Thank you so much for your help.

 

[Eggcessive]

The bubbles would more likely be in the swollen eye. Gently use your thumb and forefinger to open the eye while you hold her with the other arm to look in the eye.

 

[SimplyLivinthatFarmLife]

Oh noooo...poor girl. Hope she's better soon.

 

[NNations]

She is the same today so I decided to go get the ointment at our local TC. We shall see how that does. So far no signs of respiratory infection but TC has the Tylan 50 I can get if she does. Thank you so much for your help!

 

[NNations]

If it does end up being a respiratory infection do we need to separate her from the others? If so, how long after she starts getting the Tylan can she be with the flock again? They free range during the day and our Roo is staying close to her. Is there an egg withdrawal period with the Tylan?