My Blind Chicken Steve (aka Stevie Wonder)

[Artistanniekay]

I have just been quietly setting Juliet on the floor of the coop and Steve next to her, but he does normally roost when he’s outside on whatever stick he can find in the pen.

 

[Duckfarmer1]

That’s a really interesting idea! I could have the radio come on and play during the day so he could find his way back to the coop. I like it. What other ideas are out there?

Also..this could apply for everyone..we heard playing the radio at night deters animals..and it has worked for us..I guess they think people are around

 

[GodofPecking]

you could dig a trench about 5 meters or ten meters long 50-100 foot or so and at least 3 feet 1 meter deep. one end under the coop. Lay a stormwater pipe as thick as your arm or larger in it, so it runs the length of the trench, comes up at both ends, one end in the coop. A solar battery and fan in the coop sucks warm air out of the pipe into the coop and runs pretty much all the time, so he can hear that and work out where he is due to the constant quiet noise and the different sounds the walls make when you get close, plus, warms the coop at a minimal cost.

 

[aart]

he does normally roost when he’s outside on whatever stick he can find in the pen.

How high is this roost....how does he get up there?

 

[ChemicalchiCkns]

Unless it is just a response to other roosters in the neighborhood.

Highly likely. They usually set each other off.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

How're Steve n Juliet doing?

 

[3cousinsfarm]

Earlier this summer I purchased some pullets which included a beautiful pair of white silkies. As I integrated the .....
I have a partially blind pullet. I think she can see some shapes out of her right eye but is most likely totally blind in her left. She seems to be having a good life. We coddle her. She gets fed in a special place every day and if she hasn't found her way to the coup by bedtime, I pick her up and place her there. We wondered why this chicken (Baby Jean) let my 4 year old granddaughter pick her up all the time when the others didn't (they are all Americaunas) and I finally realized it was because she couldn't see her coming, lol. She has a second sense that allows her to remain safe...she only comes out from the protected areas in short bursts...running from house to barn and back to her house again.

I think the idea about the music and the side-railings is great! Chickens may not be the smartest in the world, but they do have a keen sense of self preservation and Steve will probably learn the way to the coop pretty quickly.

Good luck!

 

[ChemicalchiCkns]

do you Know... you are responsible for me listening to a bunch of his stuff on youtube??

 

[ValerieJ]

Also..this could apply for everyone..we heard playing the radio at night deters animals..and it has worked for us..I guess they think people are around

Great idea!

 

[room onthebroom]

Can I just say YOU ROCK! Steve is one lucky bird to have landed at your place.

I would definitely suggest making the ramp wider. I would also suggest repeatedly shaking a can of food up there & calling him up the ramp. It would take a few days of effort on your part, but chickens learn pretty quick. As with any blind animal, once he learns be sure not to change anything.

A quick comment about the bell... I read that she waits for him, which means he's not following her. Wouldn't putting a bell around her neck be pointless?