Chick with no eyes... suggestions?

[TreeHugger]

I had an appointment this morning and afterwards ran by tractor supply for feed, I bought some chicks because I have no self control. I picked out 8 little bantam cochins and grabbed this little guy last. It was not until I got home I realized he has no eyes. My guess is he/she had not eaten or drank since hatched. Every hour for the last 7 hours I have force fed it a piece of cooked egg and given it a drink of pedialyte. The chick is trying to eat but doesn’t open its mouth far enough. I tried to get the glo gel stuff but my local stores do not have any. Any suggestions on how to trigger it to eat? I am trying to get it to peck and he does have a buddy with him for support. I hate to give up and let him die since he does have some fight left in him. My concern is he is starting to get wing feathers... I am guessing 4-5 days without eating???? I am surprised he has made it this long. I am working from home for the next few weeks so I have plenty of time to baby him.

 

[Mvan42]

Are you sure it’s not eating.. if it’s made it to start growing feathers it has had to be eating. I had one hatched wouldn’t eat didn’t make it a full four days..

Sifted feed in water. It may help

 

[Neggative]

i hope it gets better... I got my batch of chicks this afternoon to

 

[TreeHugger]

Are you sure it’s not eating.. if it’s made it to start growing feathers it has had to be eating. I had one hatched wouldn’t eat didn’t make it a full four days..

Sifted feed in water. It may help

If it has eaten it is not enough to live much longer. It is bones compared to the other 7 and very lethargic.

 

[CatWhisperer]

Born blind, likely has other birth defects also.

 

[TreeHugger]

Born blind, likely has other birth defects also.

We think that might be the case, another brain defect. It does try to eat but “swipes” at the food. I set my alarm to wake up every few hours to poke some food in its beak, hoping to trigger some positive reaction but realize it might not make it.

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

A bit late I know

but did it survive???

 

[TreeHugger]

A bit late I know

but did it survive???

Nope...I never could get the little guy to eat on its own no matter how hard I tried. Managed to survive 4 days with me feeding it. Sadly I think it had other issues going on besides the lack of eyes.

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

Nope...I never could get the little guy to eat on its own no matter how hard I tried. Managed to survive 4 days with me feeding it. Sadly I think it had other issues going on besides the lack of eyes.

Awwww. I am so sorry to hear that
I’m so sorry for your loss