Swollen, crusty eyes in chickens can look dramatic and the list of possible causes is long. 

In this episode, we investigate a real case of severe conjunctivitis in a backyard chicken. While Mycoplasma gallisepticum is a top suspect, we break down how other infections, injuries, and environmental triggers can present similarly. Dr. Blayne walks through the importance of diagnostics and gives a step-by-step guide on how to collect a proper swab from the choanal cleft – an often-missed sampling site that can make or break your lab results.

Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or new to backyard flocks, this episode offers practical insights into tackling one of the most common (and confusing) eye problems in poultry.