Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
5.
Using the needle and syringe filled with hydrogen peroxide, flush the infected
area thoroughly.
6.
Spray Blu-Kote or other disinfectant onto the opening and surrounding area to
help the wound heal.
7.
Speed the healing process by bandaging the foot with gauze and athletic tape and
placing the bird into a pen with a clean dry surface.
After several of the above treatments the bird will recover fully; however, any bird
that undergoes this process will no longer be of exhibition quality, as the foot will be-
come slightly disfigured.
Ear Infection
Sometimes a bird will get an infected ear and you'll notice a cheesy or blackish material
caking the feathers that cover the ear. Bites from mites and other parasites or respiratory
illness can quickly turn into bacterial infection, but can be treated just as quickly.
Treatment
Get several cotton swabs, paper towels, and a bottle of hydrogen peroxide. With one
hand, hold the bird firmly in your lap and apply slight pressure to both sides of the ear
with the other. The crusty, cheesy material should push out. Next, drench a cotton swab
with hydrogen peroxide and gently swab the ear out. Don't go too deep. Continue clean-
ing gently until the area no longer shows pus on a clean swab. Next, use another clean
swab to apply triple antibiotic cream to the ear. You may have to repeat this procedure
several times at two- to three-day intervals.
In some cases, if the bird is not terribly perky and looks or feels a bit feverish, you
may also want to add an antibiotic in the water given to the bird.
Sinus Infection
Swollen sinuses usually indicate an infection, which can be mild or serious. The sinuses
located just above the nostrils and below the eyes will swell, in some cases until the eyes
appear closed. These sick birds appear droopy and lethargic. Isolate any bird showing
symptoms of sinus infection from the rest of the flock.
Treatment
If you are set on saving the affected chicken or turkey, gently squeeze the sinuses to re-
