Need help with a 1wk old chick~Something wrong with its eye

[sshannon024]

I have a chick that will be a week old on friday. Ever since it hatched its right eye stays matted 90-100% shut almost all the time. I think I have seen it be unmatted and fully open twice. One of those times was when a took a rag with warm water and tryed to wipe its eye, and hoped the water would disolve the gook from its eye. I also notice it scratching at its eye a lot, but I figured thats because its matted shut and aggravating the chick.

Any ideas on what this is or what causes t? Is there any kind of medicine I can give it to clear the eye up? Any help and suggestions greatly appreciated. Thank You

Shannon

 

[Judy]

We can buy antibiotic ophthalmic ointment at our local feed store; I think it's Terramycin. You could try that; won't hurt. Let us know.

 

[sshannon024]

Thanks, went and got some today. Ill let you know how it works

 

[sshannon024]

Just wanted to add an update. Been using the ointment on this little one, and its eye has healed up really well. Thank you for the help

 

[Chic Chick]

I was wondering how long it took for the eye to start getting better?
Yesterday I noticed a 5 wk old silkie had one eye shut. I brought it into the house and used antibiotic eye drops about 4 times, but do not notice any improvement yet this morning. It's eating and drinking fine and it's poop looks normal. I'll keep giving it the drops for a couple more days anyway...

 

[gardenak]

I am curious too- I have a cochin with one eye closed. I got some opthamalic ointment from the vet and put it in twice a day- it's been 2.5 days and no improvement thus far.