For most households, poultry farming is the main source of income. However, it often happens that one of the individuals is affected by a disease, and after it all the livestock falls ill. One of the most common and most virulent ailments is conjunctivitis in chickens. Below will be considered the main causes and methods of its treatment.
What is this disease
The conjunctiva is the mucous membrane of the eyelids and the eyeball itself. In chickens, the structure of the eye is such that the shell is poorly protected from external exposure, as a result of which its inflammation may occur - conjunctivitis, accompanied by deterioration of the eyesight and general condition of the bird.
Did you know? A hen is able to see and distinguish its owner from others from a distance of more than 10 meters.
Causes
Conjunctivitis in chickens is not very common, however, the owner needs to know what causes it. The chicken spends most of its time in the yard, in the open air, being under the constant influence of the external environment and drafts. 
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The cause of the disease is several factors:
- hit of pathogenic bacteria on the mucous membrane;
- eye injury;
- the action of allergens and other irritating substances (smoke, dust);
- viral infection, aggravated by a decrease in immunity;
- avitaminosis.
Symptoms
In order not to confuse conjunctivitis in poultry with other diseases, it is important to be able to distinguish its main symptoms:
- eyelid edema;
- redness of the mucous membrane;
- heavy discharge from the eyes;
- fever of the eyelid skin;
- photophobia, tearing;
- constant itching, disturbing bird.
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At the same time the chicken feels bad, becomes restless, lethargic, loses appetite. 
Important! Manifestations of conjunctivitis may accompany the course of other, more severe diseases in chickens, therefore, with long-term preservation of symptoms, it is important to promptly contact a veterinarian.
Diagnostics
To diagnose a disease, a visual examination of the bird’s eyes is necessary, as well as an assessment of the associated symptoms and the causes by which it could be caused. Sometimes it may be necessary to take a smear from an eye for analysis.
Treatment
When the first symptoms of conjunctivitis appear, it is necessary to start treatment in a timely manner in order to avoid its overflow into a severe form and infection of the entire population.
Drugs
In the initial stage of the disease, you can apply a solution of boric acid, they are washed the bird's eyes.
If the disease is started, complex therapy is prescribed:
- rubbing the eyes with a solution of boric acid;
- laying a bird for eyelid tetracycline eye ointment;
- instillation of vitamin A solution into the eyes (0.5 ml of liquid vitamin is diluted in 100 ml of boiled water).
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Folk remedies
If conjunctivitis has not become severe, it is possible to use folk remedies:
- rinsing eyes with chamomile decoction;
- lotion with strong black tea;
- adding to the poultry diet foods rich in vitamin A (grated carrots, green salad).
If the above measures do not improve the condition of the chicken, the veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral preparations for oral administration.
Important! The success of the treatment depends not only on the medications, but also on the correct diet of the chicken, the food must be rich in vitamins and trace elements to maintain immunity during the illness.
Prevention
As you know, any disease is easier to prevent than to cure. The most common infection of birds with conjunctivitis is closely related to the violation of the rules of their housing, feeding, as well as low immunity of the population. Below are the main measures aimed at preventing the onset and spread of the disease among chickens:
- maintaining the health of the entire bird population of the coop: a varied, balanced diet, regular feeding of birds with vitamins;
- preventive eye treatment with chamomile decoction of the entire population;
- regular cleaning and disinfection of the chicken coop;
- Isolation of sick individuals from the place of general maintenance until complete recovery;
- timely vaccination of chickens against the most common infections and viruses that may be accompanied by conjunctivitis;
- creating normal conditions for birds: the absence of drafts, dampness, maintaining a comfortable temperature and proper lighting.
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Did you know? It turns out that chickens are able to lay eggs only in the daytime or with good artificial light.So, in the above material were considered the etiology and features of the treatment of diseases such as conjunctivitis in chickens. Insidious disease is successfully treated with timely diagnosis, and preventive measures will not allow it to spread.
