WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THIS HEN'S EYES? Many breeders have bred their stock for natural immunity, but of course you can get your birds vaccinated.With Silkies being very fluffy they can be a target for mites and lice, so due diligence should be paid to these little fluff balls. It’s possible they could have been fighting, but for both of them to have swollen eyes like this at the same time seems a bit odd. I totally wasted a week putting Neosporin in one of my chickens eyes and now a week later half of my flock has this chicken CRD. Tumors can grow in the iris causing blindness as well as affecting major organs. Apparently Silkies can be quite susceptible to Mareks’s disease. A Silkie is the ultimate in kids’ chickens. When you first notice an eye problem you should wash the eyes out. Each day it's swollen worse. If you do have a major disease there may be a vaccination against it. Even still, such a handicapped chicken could be expected to be picked on and bullied by other members of the flock. READ OUR FULL PRIVACY POLICY.DISCLAIMER - I MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THE INFORMATION ON THIS SITE IS ACCURATE, MAINTAINED TO A HIGH STANDARD AND UP TO DATE. RED EYE My young (approx. She is sneezing and has a runny nose. That’s the Silkie, and with that, comes an equally lovely personality. Keep silkies and chickens with similar temperaments together. Sometimes there can be infected matter holding the eyes shut. I first thought it may have been an eye worm but now I am not convinced. EYE GUNK & BUBBLES Have 13 adolescent chickens mixed in with 12 adult chickens, one adolescent is smaller than the rest. I have a pekin who has a very swollen eye. They are also bred in most all colors of Silkies. If you find it difficult to see the iris or the pupil through a cloudy eye, the cornea is mostly likely the location of the problem. In the process they do more damage, exposing themselves to a possibly contagious disease. No sign of trauma nothing. Silkies tend to be docile chickens, which means that other breeds can sometimes bully them. Yesterday my roosters were just fine, but today when I looked at them, both of their eyes were swollen shut. Silkie chickens are a bantam (smaller) breed of chicken that are known for their fluffy, adorable feathers. I have a gold sex link hen who 2 days ago began keeping her right eye closed. Is the Silkie Right For You? Hi, With the exception of a few strains of avian influenza, you can’t catch a cold from your chicken, and vice versa. I will apologize in advance for the length of this question - I just want to give you all of the background info which might be pertinent. ABOUT AND CONTACT US - webmaster@clucking.net. The Origin of Silkie Chickens. An injured cornea is very painful, so the chicken will hold the eye shut. The reality is that many sick chickens will never see a vet as their monetary value makes spending $50 to $100 or more unreasonable. Is this a fungus …, Swollen Eye I have a hen with a swollen eye. This is one … Marek’s has a 2-week latency period while still contagious before the chick becomes visibly ill. WE ARE A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR US TO EARN FEES BY LINKING TO AMAZON AND AFFILIATED SITES.PRIVACY POLICY - THIS WEBSITES MAKES USE OF ANALYTICS, ADVERTISING AND AFFILIATE PROGRAMS WHICH USE COOKIES. Fact #1: Silkie chickens have extra toes. Silkie problems and diseases: What are the things that can be problematic for Silkie chickens? Infectious Laryngo Tracheitis This virus is pretty unpleasant - the chicken will start showing the normal symptoms of respiratory illness such as sneezing, watery nose/eyes...and then eventually, if left untreated, there can be a buildup of mucus which causes the chickens severe breathing issues. Our silkies are checked at least twice a month for mites, and it is automatic to check for mites every time we handle a silkie. (Though the breed standard is 5 toes, some have an additional toe for a total of 6. WEEK OLD CHICK WITH TEARING EYE I have a 1 week old bantam who has a clear fluid coming out of one eye and it is NOT swollen. Marek's Disease is a viral disease (a form of herpes virus) resulting in a type of cancer. In my experience, the mites usually start in the silkie crest. Ask a Vet has qualified doctors that can answer questions about chicken health. Silkie.org is supported by its readers. Sick chickens can be targets for predators and bullying, so let’s talk about what you should do if you think your chicken is sick. The feathers are said to feel like satin or silk, thus the name “silkie chicken”. Chicken eye problems can be caused by bacteria, dirt abrasions or wounds. But the fact is, even with a small flock, you could lose all due to a contagious disease, plus have a coop and yard that may need months of being empty to make sure disease is gone. The miserable patient also suffers fatigue and loss of appetite. WE COLLECT NO PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE DATA ON OR FROM OUR VISITORS. Her eye is cleaned …, Fluid Under Cornea? While the exact origin of this breed’s unique combination of attributes is unknown, the point of origin that is best documentedin ancient China. and weak. Mycoplasma Gallisepticum causes respiratory disease and can weaken the birds immune system sufficiently for them to pick up any disease that they come into … She eats and drinks fine and is active. Occasionally, the fluff at the rear end does need trimming for hygiene and breeding purposes.Other than this, Silkies are quite robust and will usually live for 5-8 years or longer with lots of tender loving care! Sometimes a Vitamin E/Selenium deficiency can also cause some neurological problems that might manifest as staggering or head shaking. I would try to rinse their eyes with eye wash and see if there is sign of infection under the eye lids. Many breeders have bred their stock for natural immunity, but of course you can get your birds vaccinated.With Silkies being very fluffy they can be a target for mites and lice, so due diligence should be paid to these little fluff balls. or any hen eye disease? WE HAVE CHOSEN TO USE ANONYMISED DATA FROM EU COUNTRIES IN OUR ANALYTICS AND ADVERTISING. Chicken Diseases 101: Diagnosis, Prevention And Cure Tips Whether you’re new to owning chickens or you’ve had them around since you were a kid, dealing with chicken diseases can be difficult. If you’re going to keep silkies with other chickens, go for Polish chickens or bantams. When a respiratory disease shows up in a flock, it hits hard and fast. No one is 100% about the Silkies’ origins, although it is believed they started somewhere in China or India; somewhere in Asia. When one thinks of the Silkie Chickens, one thinks of soft silky, fluffy hair – its lovely plumage. Good show chickens and some pet-quality silkies have skulls that are actually arched up at the top of their heads which leaves a vulnerable spot. Finding one before you have a problem is always a good plan. Why is there sudden blindness in my hen? Left untreated the eye will continue to get worse. Some chicken eye problems are simple to fix and heal quickly while others are caused by serious disease. The eye is a delicate and vital part of a chicken’s ability to remain healthy and active. WHAT COULD CAUSE TEARY CHICK EYES? …, ONE EYE CLOSED & SPOTS One of our hens suddenly has a closed eye and small crusty black spots on her comb on the same side. You may also need to trim the feathers around the eyes to help them see a little better.Occasionally, the fluff at th… Unfortunately silkies are prone to Marek’s disease, and it has been suggested that the dark eye of the silkie contributes to its susceptibility although this has never been firmly proved. In fact, another name for the Silkie is the Chinese silk chicken. In a chicken flock, when a member becomes sick, weak or injured, other flock members out of curiosity or survival instincts may peck mercilessly at it, causing more damage, and possible death. There are many different kinds of Mycoplasma but Mycoplasma Gallisepticum (M.G) is the most common. I noticed 3 days ago 1 was really skinny, pecking at the air above the feed, and the dominant pullet was trying to direct …, Problem Above the Eyes What is treatment for this hen... she suffers from something like black heads above the eye... local people are saying these absorb blood, and day by …, Swollen Eyelid or Eye & Thin Our laying hen Edwina seems to have an eye issue. In chicks, it typically manifests by weight loss even with good diet and death within about 8 weeks. Went out this morning and the eyes on the smaller …. All were hand raised from chicks. Blistery lesions are often around the eyes causing swelling with impairment of sight and blindness in severe cases. The yellow iris portion appears red but can't tell for sure. If your chicken doing the "staggering" is one that's smaller than the rest, or low on the pecking order, or has a crossed beak, there's a good chance that vitamin deficiency is to blame. Silkies, like all other chickens will for the most part lead normal and happy lives but there are a few genetic conditions and care concerns for all stages of their life. 5 month old) hen is lethargic keeping one eye closed. Their sense of smell is poor, as with most avian species. Sick chickens - eyes & respiratory: I have a chicken that has very swollen and hazy eyes. Being allowed access to enough food by the rest of the flock is not guaranteed, so making sure a partially blind chicken isn’t slowly starving to death is important. Often the eye will look cloudy. Although, this could be due to the bird having received a trauma to an eye, the more common cause is because they are fed a diet that's deficient in Vitamin A. Silkie chickens are one of the most charming and sweet natured breeds you will come across- we are yet to meet a silkie we haven’t fallen completely in love with! When out and about in the yard, her lid will be partially closed over her one eye, most/all of the time. If you put your mouse over the photo and click you will see a close-up, in the close-up view you can clearly see the foaming in the corner of the eye. Chicken eye problems do seem to occur in backyard flocks frequently. What do you do to clean the eye without making the problem worse? When a chicken eats an infected roach, the larvae are released from their capsule within the roach's body, make their way up the bird's esophagus to its mouth, and then travel through the nasolacrimal—or tear—duct, where they finally make their way to the bird's eye. READ THE FULL DISCLAIMER.GDPR - THIS SITE DOES NOT COLLECT OR STORE ANY INFORMATION. This is a cross between a Turken and a Silkie. As with any animal, a chicken cannot communicate an issue with you until a symptom shows up – and then diagnosing … Causes of Respiratory Illness in Adult Chickens … Eyes bubble with mucus, or blink shut with exhaustion, chickens struggle to breathe, and they hunch up, listless. The plumage of these birds are hair-like, which is considered as actual mammalian … Hens are less likely to fight, but it happens. EYES CLOSED - SEEMS HEALTHY 3 month old buff orphington pullet started keeping eyes closed alot but seemed otherwise fine. It’s unrealistic to expect one with serious chicken eye problems to do well in a flock setting, though chickens with one good eye seem to adapt. A damaged cornea may become cloudy. You may need to purchase pre-vaccinated replacement stock to survive in a yard and coop possibly contaminated with disease. (function(){var po=document.createElement('script');po.type='text/javascript';po.async=true;po.src='https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js';var s=document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(po,s);})(). Hello. A chicken with impaired vision due to injury or An example of on one chicken eye problem is Avian Pox. 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