"legally blind" chickens

[LoupGarou]

But I guess my point is that it *does* make a difference. It's inaccurate, since the chicken isn't "legally blind;" it's purblind. It's like calling a Black Orpington a Black Australorp--they look similar but they're not the same and, not only are you making a serious mistake in the eyes of a fancier, you're also potentially offending someone. Just because it doesn't make any difference to you doesn't mean that it doesn't make a difference in reality (and I don't mean that in a mean way, just that your POV doesn't match everyone's and that there are other "realities").

 

[hikerchick]

LoupGarou-

I am with you on this one. Why add the word "legally" in the first place to describe a chicken's sight, or lack thererof? Makes no sense. I really thought at first that there was some legal definition of a blind chicken. But then I tried to consider why that would be so, and....well, I got lost.

I think people should say what they mean and mean what they say. Communication is important, and when we dilute the meaning of words, or say the meanings don't matter, we lose an important tool. We are no longer communicating at that point; we are simply saying words.

 

[mrszlopez]

If thats how you feel than thats fine. Ive never called my chickens legally blind. Ive never tried to offend anyone. If it makes a big difference to people what i classify my chickens as, than that is their opinion. I know for a fact - my chickens are blind. I know for a fact that they cannot see - a single thing.
Also, debi, the only one that bumps into things is the one i rescued. He had never been outside & lived in a bath tub from the time he was born until he was over a year old. then we took him & introduced him to the outdoors. Every once & a while, he runs into the side of the coop if he gets excited. But they live very comfortable lives. They are actually a lot friendlier than any of teh other chickens.
But, im not trying to offend anyone on here. I just answered because i am a blind chicken owner. But if you feel differently about my views , that is fine. I can definately understand what you guys mean. ive just never looked into the wording of it.

 

[JennsPeeps]

Because "ocularly impaired"is unwieldly to type.

 

[mrszlopez]

Quote:
i dont understand what that means lol.

 

[hikerchick]

I don't think anyone is offended; and certainly no one questions that your chickens are indeed blind. I was just curious why people refer to their chickens as "legally blind" as opposed to simply "blind". I wondered if there was some reason they tagged the "legally" part on; it made me curious to understand how a term like that could apply to chickens. They dont' drive or pay taxes, so I wondered what the deal was. I take what people say quite literally unless they are clearly joking. I assume that people use words for a reason- to convey a meaning.

 

[mrszlopez]

Quote:
lol I understand what you mean. thats why i said - ive always considered mine as blind. Im sure theres ways to tell how bad the chickens vision is. When i put my hand slowly close to their face/eyes, they dont flinch a bit until you literally touch their eye. The one roo has noticable wounds on his eyeballs. But blind or legally blind, they are unique !!

 

[hikerchick]

Quote:
lol I understand what you mean. thats why i said - ive always considered mine as blind. Im sure theres ways to tell how bad the chickens vision is. When i put my hand slowly close to their face/eyes, they dont flinch a bit until you literally touch their eye. The one roo has noticable wounds on his eyeballs. But blind or legally blind, they are unique !!

More so , I am sure, than my three legged cat.

 

[19hhbelgian]

I have a horse who is now 3 years old... He lost sight in his left eye when he was only a month old, so he's used to it, and does well but if he doesn't know you're there, and you don't talk to him, you have a chance of getting run over... The worst part - I wanted to get him gelded (fixed for those of us who don't have horses

) and when the vet came out, we discovered he'd only dropped on one side

. So, he's got one eye & one N-t... At least he still has all of his legs!

I think polish chickens should be declared legally blind once they are full grown - seriously, they can still see shapes and stuff, but mine are always between my feet and running into me. My other hens just come running when I call - never had an australorp smash into the back of my legs when I stopped walking

Otherwise I don't see a point in saying a chicken is "legally" blind... PLEASE don't take offense to this at all!!!

I used to ride with a girl that was legally blind, so I do understand the situation.

 

[mrszlopez]

Quote:
agreed lol. I too, have a horse that has very very little sight in his left eye !! he was neglected by his previous owners & hes had many health problems from that. He got the blue moon haze or how ever its called lol. but that is funny - at least he has his legs !! thats cute.