Blind Hen?

[ORChick]

My broody hen hatched out some chicks this weekend. I had her in a rather constricted brooder box, and wanted to give her some more space, now that the babies are running about. I put in a chicken wire internal fence, fencing off part of the main coop run - there is a protected-from-the-weather corner, which is perfect for a cozy nest. Unfortunately, at some point, one of the other hens made it over the fence, and a fight ensued. Hen #2 is just fine, as are the chicks, but Mama Hen, as far as I can tell, has been blinded. I feel horrible about it, so please don't tell me what an idiot I was. My question is: what sort of quality of chicken life can a blind chicken expect? Would it be better to bite the bullet, put her out of her misery, and raise the chicks in the brooder? Or, once her injuries are healed, can she lead a reasonable chicken life? Or (on the third hand) is it inhumane of me to keep her around to raise the chicks, and then put her down? To set the ground rules - my chickens are egg layers, and for their work of keeping my kitchen supplied they have lifetime tenancy here. They are not "pets", in the sense that I don't invite them to sit on my lap, but I also do not cull them merely because production is down. If she has no hope of a decent chicken life without sight then I will put her down, no question. But I would prefer not to, if it isn't inhumane to keep her alive. If you have any experience with blind chickens I would welcome your input.
Oh, and by the way, I have strengthened the internal fence, so I don't believe the other hens can gain access again.

 

[kellysmall87]

I am sorry this has happened, nobody blames you, accidents happen. I lost my entire flock last week to a fox because I fell asleep on the sofa and didn't lock them up. Things like this can weigh heavy on your mind. The main problem is the food and drink. I would observe her to see if she can find the food and water, and the coup at night, and if not then she will either require your constant attention to feed her (which I don't think anybody has time for) or she will need to be culled. Will she be able to raise the chicks if she can't see? How's she doing in raising them at the moment?

 

[chickenzoo]

Sometimes when the swelling goes down they retain more sight then initally thought..... However if she is blind and you can put her in a seperate area with a friend or so thatvwont attack her...then her life can be just fine if she still has the will to live. I had a bantam hen that was blinded. I put her with a kind little roo who happily told her where food and water was. She happily scratched in the dirt and layed a perfect little egg as she sung her song. She always seemed to be a happy little hen and even learned to perch. She can still be a good mom and if she still has try then by all means let her try....

 

[kellysmall87]

Sometimes when the swelling goes down they retain more sight then initally thought..... However if she is blind and you can put her in a seperate area with a friend or so thatvwont attack her...then her life can be just fine if she still has the will to live. I had a bantam hen that was blinded. I put her with a kind little roo who happily told her where food and water was. She happily scratched in the dirt and layed a perfect little egg as she sung her song. She always seemed to be a happy little hen and even learned to perch. She can still be a good mom and if she still has try then by all means let her try....

I agree. If she is willing and wants to give it a go, then let her.