Kitchen Garden Forum

For some weeks one of my Sussex Light hens has been a bit off colour. Her only symptom was that I thought she looked as if she had tired eyes! It's difficult to tell but there seems to be a very minor swelling around her eyes, compared with the other hens. But this last week she has become lethargic and her eyes seem very slightly cloudy - but this could be my imagination. I've put all on Tylan now and hope this will do the trick. Have any of you any other advice or suggestions as to what this illness could be? She's not moulting, she's only just stopped laying in the last two days, her wattles and comb are bright red and healthy, she's eating, there is no sneezing, wheezing or any other recognisable symptoms of illnesses I have seen before - I'm still not very experienced in the hen game - and I don't think it is air sack syndrome as I have seen this before; as I say the swelling is so slight, it could even be my imagination. All other chicks are happy and healthy. What do you reckon? Any ideas? Thanks. Oh yes, another point, it's only just struck me, is it advisable not to eat the eggs of the sick chick (I mean those collected before the use of Tylan - I know all the rules about that)or does it not matter? Cheers!

Quatro

Hi Quatro

I've had a look in my poultry disease book and the only thing that I can find is sinusitis. This can cause swelling (and can be severe), the cure is to inject with Tylosin. The photo shows a chicken with a very swollen eye looking very sorry for herself and your girl doesn't sound this bad.

Other than that, I have no suggestions other than to call the Wernlas Collection in Ludlow who are VERY helpful.

http://www.wernlas.com/

I hope your Sussex is feeling better. When I read it I thought about sinus trouble, but they usually sneeze a lot too.

Let us know how it gets on. I sometimes put a cotton wool pad with Eucalyptus oil on it in their hut when they get sneezy, it might help clear its sinuses if that is the problem.