How to treat a blind chick?

[fluffy07]

Ok, I guess some other folks have met this before, but this is my first time after raising chicks for 10 years. This chick is blind, and I don't know why, because all the other 5 in the hatch are fine. I doubt it's genetic, because Ma and Pa are fine and so are the siblings. Is there anything I can do for her? She doesn't eat, because she cannot see the chick crumbs. It is heartbreaking, as otherwise she is strong and healthy and can hear and has a good set of lungs! Any advice deeply appreciated.
Thanks, fluffy07

 

[GodLovesU]

Can you post a pic?

 

[Sally PB]

There are several threads here on BYC about raising blind chickens. It is a commitment, for sure.

 

[Bartonsfinest]

Im am by no means an expert on this subject matter but
My advice would be first to separate the chick from the rest of the group she can't defend herself and in my personal experience with any chicken young or old the rest of the flock will know something is different about her and they might bully her. give her own space until you figure out what the next course of action is. I would go buy needless syringes you can buy them at Walmart the dollar store they are anywhere from 1.00 to 10.00. get her crumble feed and a little warm water, make a mash-up for her, and feed her with the syringe. I watched a bunch of YouTube videos about how to syringe feed a chicken and it will show you. I am guessing if she can't see to eat her feed then she can't see to drink water. If that's the case you gonna have to syringe feed her water as well. if she won't eat her feed try to give her non-dairy powdered milk warmed up, goat's milk, or cheap jar baby food. You are going to have to make a little feeding schedule with her. I have a seeing and hearing impaired appenzeller spitzhauben hen. She wasn't born like that she was attacked this past January by a piece of shit hawk. She lost both eyes and one ear. I got a lot of good advice from some amazing people on here. I am also in school studying to be a Certified Vet tech with an emphasis on livestock and poultry. She can still live a full healthy chicken life good luck! my inbox is always open

 

[fluffy07]

Can you post a pic?

I hope so soon, but I haven't got them yet. My son took the photos today.

 

[fluffy07]

Im am by no means an expert on this subject matter but
My advice would be first to separate the chick from the rest of the group she can't defend herself and in my personal experience with any chicken young or old the rest of the flock will know something is different about her and they might bully her. give her own space until you figure out what the next course of action is. I would go buy needless syringes you can buy them at Walmart the dollar store they are anywhere from 1.00 to 10.00. get her crumble feed and a little warm water, make a mash-up for her, and feed her with the syringe. I watched a bunch of YouTube videos about how to syringe feed a chicken and it will show you. I am guessing if she can't see to eat her feed then she can't see to drink water. If that's the case you gonna have to syringe feed her water as well. if she won't eat her feed try to give her non-dairy powdered milk warmed up, goat's milk, or cheap jar baby food. You are going to have to make a little feeding schedule with her. I have a seeing and hearing impaired appenzeller spitzhauben hen. She wasn't born like that she was attacked this past January by a piece of shit hawk. She lost both eyes and one ear. I got a lot of good advice from some amazing people on here. I am also in school studying to be a Certified Vet tech with an emphasis on livestock and poultry. She can still live a full healthy chicken life good luck! my inbox is always open

Thank you SO MUCH for this! You'll make a great vet! The little one has been fed by syringe but, today, she is pecking and scratching of her own accord once you place her in the feed bowl. She is also drinking, once you put her beak in the water. Mum has not rejected her, nor have the other chicks, so I am not separating her. She can hear, so she can get under Mum, and Mum is especially protective of her. Difficulties lie ahead, when Mum rejoins the flock, and the little one can't see to jump into the main hut. However, we'll deal with that when we come to it.

 

[fluffy07]

There are several threads here on BYC about raising blind chickens. It is a commitment, for sure.

Thank you. Do you know why chicks are born blind? None of the rest of the hatch are blind.

 

[Sally PB]

Thank you. Do you know why chicks are born blind? None of the rest of the hatch are blind.

There are probably a lot of reasons, and you may never know what happened with this particular chick. Lots of things can go sideways during incubation, there can be genetic reasons.

So many things can go wrong, it's a wonder any are born healthy.

 

[Altairsky]

Thank you. Do you know why chicks are born blind? None of the rest of the hatch are blind.

Sometimes people are born blind and there is no reason why. It just happens.

 

[Bartonsfinest]

Thank you SO MUCH for this! You'll make a great vet! The little one has been fed by syringe but, today, she is pecking and scratching of her own accord once you place her in the feed bowl. She is also drinking, once you put her beak in the water. Mum has not rejected her, nor have the other chicks, so I am not separating her. She can hear, so she can get under Mum, and Mum is especially protective of her. Difficulties lie ahead, when Mum rejoins the flock, and the little one can't see to jump into the main hut. However, we'll deal with that when we come to it.

AWE thank you so much! I am so excited that she is doing good and it is even more awesome that mama hen is being protective over her. it is sad watching your bird be alone and have no friends it is heartbreaking seeing your flock reject their very own for something that wasn't even their fault. you and your flock are in my thoughts