Hatchling cant open eyes

[Kanchii]

Hello. I'm hatching out some bantam cochins and I noticed one of the chicks doesn't have either eyes open, and seems to be unable to open them. It's about 24 hours old, maybe less. I can see its eyes moving under its lids and it flinches as if to blink, and I can see the crease where the lids should split, but they wont open. I obviously don't want to try to force them open. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[KellyHM]

I would give it a little while and see if they open on their own. If not, you may have to take it to a vet so they can numb they lids and open them for it. It's a pretty simple procedure if you have some local anesthetic. Good luck!

 

[Kanchii]

anyone else?

 

[silkiechicken]

Let the chick be till it dries out and fluffs up. If the hatch is already over and they are in the brooder and they are already fluffed, get a cotton ball and see if you can't use warm water to wipe over the eyes to loosen up any gunk that may have dried on it.

 

[mikarod]

There might be some leftover membrane causing the chicks eyes to stick together. Try taking a warm wet towel (SOFT!) and gently rubbing that area.

The nictitating membrane sounds like it's working...so it sounds like something from the outer eyelids is causing it.