Chick with deformed eye

[Ms Ellen]

I have a chick hatched out about 5 days ago that has an eye deformity. This is a Silkie with a vaulted skull. One of her eyes bulges out and looks about twice the size of a normal eye and I don't think it sees anything on that side, though it can blink. This chick is otherwise healthy and vigorus. Should it be culled? It does not seem to be in distress to me. I am putting tripleantibiotic opthalmic ointment on daily now because I think this eye may eventually dry out, though I can't be sure. We go back and forth about this. If it is a boy we will eventually cull it for sure.

 

[ThePamperedPullet]

We just culled one of our production red chicks because of the same thing. Was born with a bulging eye. The other chicks were pecking at it as it was something different. If yours can't see out of that side, it really limits it's ability to protect its self against predators. Always hate to get rid of a hen, roosters are easier to let go but you would have to watch and see if the others pick at it and determine if it really can or can't see out of that eye.

 

[Mahonri]

It's probably best to cull.

 

[Ms Ellen]

Thanks guys, we will sleep on this.