Closed eyes on 5 day old chicks

[proudchickenmommy]

I am so worried about my new babies. I ordered 10 assorted polish chicks from a hatchery and picked them up on Friday as soon as my Post Office notified me. I immediately gave them water with electrolytes and chick starter food. They have been doing great up until just now. 3 of the 10 have one eye closed, and 1 has both eyes closed. They seem to be acting fine. Eating, drinking, running around, chirping, and grooming themselves, but my heart is breaking because I am so worried about them. What can I do to help them? What could be causing this? Please help?!

 

[nuthatched]

What's your set up like? Is it warm enough and can they get away from the heat? Are they pecking each other?

 

[proudchickenmommy]

What's your set up like? Is it warm enough and can they get away from the heat? Are they pecking each other?

I have them in a large plastic tote with wood shavings from Tractor Supply. They have a heat lamp, and it shines on half the tote, so I thought they would be able to get away from the heat if need be. There was some pecking going on the other day, but it seemed to have subsided. For some reason just one day one of them was being a little bossy. I haven't noticed that behavior today. Do you think they could be too warm? If the one chick caused an injury the other day, what can I do to help them heal? They do not appear to be injured, but they do not appear to be ill either. Should I try running a wet Q-tip over the eyes? I appreciate any advice you can offer. Thank you!

 

[nuthatched]

I have them in a large plastic tote with wood shavings from Tractor Supply. They have a heat lamp, and it shines on half the tote, so I thought they would be able to get away from the heat if need be. There was some pecking going on the other day, but it seemed to have subsided. For some reason just one day one of them was being a little bossy. I haven't noticed that behavior today. Do you think they could be too warm? If the one chick caused an injury the other day, what can I do to help them heal? They do not appear to be injured, but they do not appear to be ill either. Should I try running a wet Q-tip over the eyes? I appreciate any advice you can offer. Thank you!

They could be too warm, or because of the other chick. can you get pictures of the eyes?

 

[proudchickenmommy]

I am so relieved! I removed the heat lamp since it is pretty warm in the room. Two of the four now have both eyes open and are acting completely normal. One of them still has only one eye open, and the other still has both eyes closed. Pics attached.