chicks eyes closed-listless

[ladyfarmer]

Hello, I have three chicks with their eyes closed and acting listless. I washed their eyes with warm water and opened them. They looked very watery. They are eating and drinking but acting very lathargic.

These girls are 8 weeks old.

There are two Cuckoo Marans and one Americauna.

They are in a group of about 65 other babies all the same breeds. They are eating the Purina Start and Grow. (just about to switch them to Grower) They have been in their coop since they came home and last week we opened their door and let them begin to free range for short periods of the day.

We have about 100 other chickens all different breeds ranging in age from 6 months to 4 years.

Please let me know if I need to provide any other info. and Thank for any insight on whats going on and how to help!!

 

[BarkerChickens]

What is the poop like? The fact they began free-ranging a week ago, I am going to guess Coccidia (Coccidiosis). While other issues may be the cause, in my experience a listless chick that keeps their eyes closed has had coccidia. They usually keep their wings kind of drooped too (like they are too weak to hold them up). You can get treatment meds from the feed store or vet supply. I use Sulmet since it is available in my area; however, there are several on the market. Just make sure it is for coccidia (not a dewormer...coccidia is not a worm, but rather a single-celled parasite).