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My chicken's swollen eye isn't improving. No vet will treat her!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Female | 5 lbs

One of my chickens has a hugely swollen eye. It started off with bubbles in the eye, then swelled over the course of a week. It is now swollen shut with clear discharge. No other symptoms. No trouble breathing, no nasal discharge, eating and drinking normally. I've been putting Terramycin in the eye for 3 days with no improvement. There is no vet around here that will treat a chicken, so I don't know what to do for her.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on July 7th, 2017

It could be a touch of conjunctivitis but usually swollen eyes are the first sign of Mycoplasma infection which also cause respiratory problems. They will always have Mycoplasma and stress will trigger it, but the first instance is usually the worst. Even if you don't have a vet who will see chickens you could ring them to get a dose of antibiotic such as baytril which will help in early stages.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Todd Cecil
Veterinarian
Published on October 17th, 2019
Thanks for reaching out about your chicken and including a photo. Has you seen a veterinarian yet? This appears to be a sinus infection, whether bacterial, fungal or viral, needs to be determined. Isolation from other birds is recommended to decrease contamination but also to monitor water/food intake. Providing heat support could make more comfortable.
Good luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on June 5th, 2017
That is likely to be due to a mild to moderate conjunctivitis, probably secondary to a trauma or infection. A check up would be needed as appropriate treatment would include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Corneal injuries must be ruled out as well.
Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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