7 week chick walks around with eyes closed?

[Teila]

Howdy chicken8

I still marvel at all the differences of opinions and how we are able to share them here on BYC.

I have read that chicks should not be wormed until at least 12 to 14 weeks of age and also read the complete opposite:

http://birdhealth.com.au/flockbirds/poultry/diseases/Worms.html

A possibility could be Coccidosis; definitely keep an eye on her poop. Blood is a sign of severe cocci but it is possible that she has it, even without blood in the poop. She is about the right age.

The Learning Centre has a great article on Coccidosis:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/coccidiosis-how-to-treat-it

Also, check her out for Mites or Lice:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/mites-lice-treatment-and-prevention

This is a good poop chart, definitely one to bookmark:

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=17568.0

I hope you are able to find out what ails her.

With regards ACV; it definitely is not a wormer but I use it and was told about it by a friend who has had chickens for a very long time and some of the reasons he uses it are:
* It apparently maintains a good pH balance in their digestive system and makes it a little uncomfortable for worms to live in. So while not an actual wormer, it can be a deterrent.
* It can act as an antiseptic, killing bacteria in their throat and is reported to keep bacteria out of their water. I know it is recommended to people with sinus issues also.
* Some think it increases egg production but I can't comment on that because I only have bantams who spend more time broody than they do laying

Different strokes for different folks and the above is just my opinion.

 

[Chickaddict44]

How's your chick doing? I too have a young pullet, approx 10 weeks, that walks around with with one or both eyes closed. She acts normal otherwise. Eats, drinks, runs around, dust bathes, hunts for bugs but once in awhile will stop and close her eyes and have a quick nap. She does this on my lap too. We flushed her eyes with a saline wash and put polysporin on her eyelids incase something was irritating her. She's a blue cochin...very sweet and loves to be held. I have no sick birds...its a new coop with a small flock. I'm just monitoring her but I see no other symptoms of illness. It's just a weird quirk. lol Please update on how your chick is doing.

 

[chickenk8]

Hello!!
My chick is doing great, she is still kind of narcoleptic hahaha but growing great! None of my other pullets are sick or show signs of illness and neither does this one besides her sleepiness! She's very curious, and definitely likes to be snuggled which is adorable of course. I've come to the conclusion that nothing is technically wrong with her! Although I will keep an eye out for any changes obviously.

 

[Chickaddict44]

That's great news! Thanks for giving an update!

 

[losund]

I have the same thing happening with my 8 week old blue Cochin. She is eating, drinking and seems to be popping just fine. Did you guys find this to be a quirk or an illness I need to look into treating?

 

[losund]

I have the same thing happening with my 8 week old blue Cochin. She is eating, drinking and seems to be popping just fine. Did you guys find this to be a quirk or an illness I need to look into treating?

 

[chickenk8]

So far mine has been doing fine and doesn't display any signs of illness! I'm just keeping a closer eye on her, but she's doing great!

I would suggest keeping an eye out for anything unusual, otherwise it might just be a weird quirk

 

[Chickaddict44]

My pullet is just fine. She likes to sit on my lap and close her eyes. Not doing it as much out in the yard now. She's just a chill chick. lol All is normal. Just monitor your chick and watch for other signs. If no other symptoms I wouldn't worry about it. Keep us posted.

 

[Chickaddict44]

Oh I should add that my chick is also a blue cochin.

 

[islafarm]

Hi Chickaddict44 and losund, and Chickenk8!

any news on your chicks? I'm having the same issue with my 9 week old light brahma pullet: takes lots of short naps, one eye is semi closed / seems lightly sunken, but otherwise eating, sleeping, pooping, drinking fine. No signs of worms in poop, or discharge of any kind, or mites.

Initially thought it was something she'd got in her eye, then treated it with a cream for conjunctivitis, but made no difference. Been that way for about 8 or 9 days now.

Wondering what it may be, and encouraged to find others with same symptoms. How are your chicks? TIA