Chick won't open eyes...your experiences??

[Three Cedars Silkies]

I have a silkie chick that hatched morning that was VERY sleepy with not a lot of activity for the first 6 or so hours. It did open it's eyes in the beginning, but just tended to close them and sleep a lot. It has perked up quite a bit, but now doesn't open it's eyes at all. I've put a light film of polysporin over the lids to make sure they aren't stuck. I can force them open with my fingers, but it closes them immediately again. It will drink when I dip it's beak but isn't eating at all. I can't tell if the chick is blind. I had a chick born without eyes...that was different.

Also, this chick has a very strange peep. In humans we would call it a "cat's cry". Anyone with any experience like this?

I'm fairly certain this chick will need to be euthanized, but just looking for input prior to doing that.

 

[klf73]

I say give it 24 hours and then you can get a better assessment. You will *know* then what to do. I have had them start off slow then do fine, and some not. Good luck

Krista

 

[needmorechickens!]

Oh goodness...I don't know but I hope its gonna be alright! Give it a little time... :aww
~Rebecca

 

[willowcol]

Hi, I was wondering how this turned out for you? I have a silkie baby that hatched about 4 am last night that is still acting this same way. Sleeping alot, won't open eyes very often, seem to be able to see but just isn't acting like the others. I tryed cleaning the eye area with a moist qtip thinking maybe something was bothering him but it still will barely open them. Did your come around or am I in for a heart break?

 

[KellyHM]

I had a Frizzle chick born yesterday that was doing that. I just pulled (gently) his eyelids open a couple of times and now he's fine. Since you know they will open and aren't fused, just pull them apart and see if he can keep them open after that.