[SWhite6124]

I was given four chickens about four weeks ago. when I let them out of the coop yesterday only three came straight out. When the fourth came out I noticed that her left eye was shut and she seemed to be walking a bit funny. She seems a bit better this morning but her eye is still shut. I have been told she could have flu. Any suggestions??

[grinling]

isolate her from the others and bathe the eye in warm salty water.
Check each hen over  for lice ( little yellow moving things) as well as feeling body temperature, place hand under wing. Check the eyes for clearness and nostrils for clearness. breathing should be clear not sound bubbly.
Return to ill hen and do the same for her. report back findings
What are you using in the hen house, straw/sawdust/paper/disinfectant?
Are the hens getting on well or sorting out pecking order?
if concerned for the hen you could take her to a vet.
how old are the hens and what type/size and what type of place did they come from?

[SWhite6124]

I bathed her eye in warm salty water and within seconds her eye was open and walking about happily.
Can't see any lice, eyes and nostrils seem OK.
I am using sawdust in the hen house, and they seem to be getting on well.
I don't know how old the hens are, and I believe they are hybrids that came from a hose a few miles away.
I will keep checking everyday. Thanks....

[Sassy]

Sawdust is not recommended for bedding it is too dusty and this could have caused the problem with her eye. Shavings are acceptable and if you buy the large bags from equestrian suppliers they have had the dust extracted. Priced approx £6-9. Does vary re size of bag and area.

[brookieme]

Hope she is still improving.

[grinling]

I use the equine sawdust in pull out base, lasts for months. use newspaper opened out at base of nest box, then straw on top...keeps nest box clean...not all will perch.