Is Our Chick Blind?

[ellbell19]

We just hatched 10 chicks. A few were Araucanas, but most were Orpingtons. We had to help a few out of their shells because they weren't getting out on their own, and so far all the hatched chicks have survived. We aren't sure if this was because of the helping, but a few of them act as though they are blind. They don't bump into anything or stuff like that, but when all the other chicks are huddling together, they lay down where they are a squawk. Ohterwise, they are fine. Is there some way we could test whether they are blind or not, and if they are, what should we do? Thanks!

PS I think all the ones we helped were Orps, but I'm not sure.

 

[duckyfromoz]

I have a duck that was blind when she hatched. I saw that her eyes were cloudy- so I knew something was wrong. The cloudiness was gone in a few days- but I had clearly determined by that time she was badly sight impaired. I think she can see light and dark- as she copes well with walking out side the shed in the morning- but can struggle at night going back into a darker area.

I am unsure as to whether she can see colour at all. She can walk to the feed and water dishes- blue and yellow- but i think she relies more on her hearing- and follows the others when she hears them eat or drink.

I did a few things to determine of she had any sight- shining a flashlight into the eyes- trying to see if she would follow something shiny placed in front of her face. Stevie-Ray lives outside- and gets around the yard well on her own. She rarely runs into anything but I always ensure that feed and water is placed in exactly the same location to help her navigate to it.

Is it possible that your brooder is too warm?? The may not huddle with the others simply because they are already warm enough.

 

[CrazyCatNChickenLady]

I have a mostly blind 14 week old chicken.

'Bink'-the-Blind started out life rough. I noticed she didn't eat/drink like the rest. She was the last to hatch and I was unsure if it was just because she was the youngest. The rest of the chicks would be in a group and then Bink would be on her own just PEEPing away. I figured out she had very little sight. Basically I had to hand feed her and teach her how to eat. (Mistake #2.. keeping her alive when she otherwise probably would not have made it. Mistake #1 was helping her hatch..) I should have culled or let nature take it course.

I'd say to easier tell if they have sight or not put one somewhere with no distractions, and put some food/water in there. Not finding the food easily would be a tell-tale sign. Bink walked into stuff though (hence the name!) and got toppled by the bigger chicks before I separated them. She also develops a lot slower and I feel so bad for her!

Good Luck.

 

[ellbell19]

Thanks for all the advice!

They are eating fine, and we haven't noticed any cloudiness, so I think maybe they are just warm enough. I'm going to watch them for the next few days, then see if they are acting the same.

Thanks again!

The New Chickies thank you too!