Single hen

[skillick]

We have had our girls for 5 months now without any problems, they seem really happy in their green cube, when we are at work they spend their time in the extended run and free range when we are at home.

 

When we let them out this morning we found that one of the girls has a red eye which has a clear discharge. She keeps hiding her head in the feathers on her bacK. She seems to be eating and drinking normally. Any ideas what this could be or what we should do to treat it?

[chelsea]

You could try bathing it with cold tea to see if it helps with the redness. What I would be concerned about though is the discharge... it may be more of a problem than just a "sore eye". We have had 2 eye problems here over the years (we have one chook currently being treated for an eye infection) and both incidents required veterinary treatment and antibiotics.

 

Keep an eye on it and if it continues you might want to ring the vet.

[ted]

I would take her to the vet... One of mine had sore eyes and discharge (foamy) and the vet gave us some antibiotics which cleared it up...

[skillick]

Thanks for your advice. Took Millie to the vet who said she had a viral infection and was very poorly (she started rattling when she was breathing on the way to see him). He gave her anti-biotics to fight off any seondary infection, anti-inflamatories and vitamins.

 

This morning she looks much better, she is scratching around, eating and drinking and her eyes look much better - I'm hoping this is a good sign.

 

We have to keep her in isolation and are keeping a careful watch on our other girls.

 

Thanks again for your responses.

[ted]

Nice one . That is good news...