Why is my hen's face swollen?

[Eggcessive]

You may have to wait until she goes to roost this evening, or just don’t bother. Break the 25mg diphenhydramine in half or into 1/3 tablet. Dosage is 4mg per every 2.2 pound or Kilogram. Have you gotten any new birds in the last few weeks? It sounds more like she may have a respiratory infection, such as MG. Usually I recommend cleaning the eye with a clean and warm damp wash cloth, and applying either Terramycin eye ointment, Vetericyn, or plain Neosporin twice a day. Your parents may want to buy some Tylosin powder here, and treat her or any other one that shows those symptoms:
https://jedds.com/products/tylosin-powder
Dosage is 1 teaspoon in a gallon of water for 3-5 days.

 

[Barnette]

I’m sorry, but that’s hilarious

Yes it is I found her and she screamed in protest as I was weighing her, but she ate her pill when I wrapped it in bread

 

[Barnette]

You may have to wait until she goes to roost this evening, or just don’t bother. Break the 25mg diphenhydramine in half or into 1/3 tablet. Dosage is 4mg per every 2.2 pound or Kilogram. Have you gotten any new birds in the last few weeks? It sounds more like she may have a respiratory infection, such as MG. Usually I recommend cleaning the eye with a clean and warm damp wash cloth, and applying either Terramycin eye ointment, Vetericyn, or plain Neosporin twice a day. Your parents may want to buy some Tylosin powder here, and treat her or any other one that shows those symptoms:
https://jedds.com/products/tylosin-powder
Dosage is 1 teaspoon in a gallon of water for 3-5 days.

Thanks! I did catch her, and gave her half a pill. She ate it when I wrapped it in bread. I haven't gotten new birds in several months, and the chickens have not been around other flocks. Ellie is the only one with symptoms, I'm keeping a close eye on everyone else. I'm going away for the week and I'm worried about her while I'm gone, but our pet-sitter will be here to watch her and the others. Should I repeat the pill tomorrow or Monday before I leave? I'll clean her eye today and again tomorrow. Thanks for all your help, sorry if I'm pestering you with questions

 

[Eggcessive]

Since it looks a bit more like a respiratory infection, I would give it only the one time (today,) to see if it helps reduce swelling. I hope the pet sitter can keep the eye clean, and let you know if it looks worse. I would probably order the Tylosin since it can take a week to arrive. There is no egg withdrawal time with treating her with Tylosin.

 

[Barnette]

Since it looks a bit more like a respiratory infection, I would give it only the one time (today,) to see if it helps reduce swelling. I hope the pet sitter can keep the eye clean, and let you know if it looks worse. I would probably order the Tylosin since it can take a week to arrive. There is no egg withdrawal time with treating her with Tylosin.

Understood, I'll talk to my parents about ordering that tomorrow. Thank you!

 

[Barnette]

Update: the swelling on Ellie's face has gone down a lot today, and her eye looks healthy again (no longer crusty but still a little watery). I'll update you again when I get home on Friday

 

[Lthompson123]

The hen in question is my five-year-old Cochin, Ellie. About 24 hours ago I noticed that the left side of her face was swollen, but her eye was still open. I saw NO nasal/eye discharge, and her breathing was completely normal. I just kept an eye on her, but didn't let myself worry. This morning, the left side of her face is a little more swollen, but she is still acting completely normal and the right side looks fine. Eating, drinking, pretty active, no sneezing or breathing issues, clean nostrils. I don't see a wound except for a tiny scab on her forehead. I might be imagining things, but her comb seems very slightly discolored at the tips. What could this be? Should I be worried?

*Pics attached of both sides of her face and front view*

 

[Barnette]

Huh?

 

[Barnette]

@Lthompson123 you quoted my post, but didn't say anything in the reply. I'm confused, sorry

 

[Barnette]

Hello everyone! Update on Ellie: I returned from my trip late last night, so I didn't get a chance to see Ellie's face before bed. But this morning, the swelling is completely gone, her eyes and nostrils are clean and dry (but not too dry lol) and she seems perfectly healthy. Hoping it was just an allergic reaction to something, but still keeping an eye on everyone for respiratory symptoms. Thank you for your help!!