Blind chicken?

[GooseHerder]

I think my 6 month old hen is blind. We noticed that her eyelids were strange and that there is whiteness in her eyes as shown in the picture. What could be the reason?? Are these cataracts? What can I do for her if she is indeed blind?

 

[Lamaremybabies]

I don't think she's completely blind, but she will probably be completely blind in time. Looks like cataracts to me.

 

[GretaGarboFirst]

Hi There,
I had a blind chick for almost a year. I don't know what the white spot on her eye is. I am not familiar with that.. A blind chick does not usually socialize like the other chicks and is often alone. They are familiar with water location so stay consistent with where you put water and food. Does she seem to see the food that she is pecking at? If the food is randomly put in front of her without the other birds around does she go accurately to it? Does she roost with the others?

 

[GooseHerder]

She does indeed roost. She also can see and knew where the food was. We think she can still sort of see because when I go to pick her up, she knows I am there. But watching her out in the yard, it's like she is just wondering around and she is often by herself. We also found it odd that she would wonder back in the coop and just hang around while the others are out in the yard.

 

[GretaGarboFirst]

I would agree that she sees somewhat from what you describe. If it is a near sightedness of some kind she probably feels more secure in the predictable pen area. Nice that she has the option to go in and out. Keep a close watch on her. Let me know if I can be of help. My little blind chicken was called Violet....

 

[GooseHerder]

Thank you guys for the advice! I love the name Violet. My hens name is Bonnie.

 

[Eggcessive]

Ammonia odors, vitamin A or E deficiency, eye infections, Mareks disease, cataracts, and previous exposure to avian encephalomyelitis can all cause eye problems. Here is a good article to read about common eye problems: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps031