2-3 day old chicks with eyes stuck shut

[rosewolf22002]

I got 27 chicks from McMurry a few days ago. I was on bed rest due to illness and was only able to see they were alive and dip beaks in water. I went out the next day against Dr. orders to check on them. I found about 10 of them with eyes stuck shut. I washed them with a soft warm wet towel. I now have about 6 that are all white or buff that still have sticky eyes. I am now on day 3. They are getting a bit weak due to not finding water. I wash them a few times a day and I water them. It looks kind of like pink eye on a human child. Swollen eyes and stuck shut. No crusties. My husband now confesses that he saw the eyes shut from the first day. He does not know any thing about chickens. What do I do? Am I doing the right thing now? Do I call the hatchery?

 

[Erica]

Call the hatchery, and tell them you're wondering if you should call the state ag department... Sticky, shut eyes are a possible sign of infectious disease. They definitely need to know this is happening, and they may have some advice in terms of care.

Erica

 

[rosewolf22002]

I called the hatchery and gave her my information. She said it sometimes happens due to shipping stress. She said saline wash their eyes and find an eye ointment and put it on. and to call if I loose any or to call Monday when all better. Wish me luck!