New Chick Question

[sgoetz]

Hello All,
I am new to this site as well as new to raising chickens, so this is probably one of MANY questions I will have along our journey! We recently purchased some "less than week old" chicks from our local Rural King farm store yesterday: 4-Rhode Island Reds, 2-White Leghorns, and 2-Americauna Easter Eggers. All our supposed to be pullets. My question is this, one of the Americauna's eyes is closed and will not keep it open. I've looked at it and it does not appear to be injured in any way and I see no infection or discharge coming from it. Is this something to be concerned about or is this a "normal" issue with new chicks?

Thank You for your replies!

-Steve

 

[CrazyChickGirl]

Does the chick act weak? Have you checked for pasty butt? With this last batch of chicks I had one that was VERY sleepy and weak. She had pasty butt and I had to help her eat and drink the first few days. After that she grew stronger and snapped out of it. I remember that the first thing I noticed was that she couldn't seem to keep her eyes open though...

 

[CrazyChickGirl]

I definitely think it can be a warning sign.

 

[ten chicks]

Hello All,
I am new to this site as well as new to raising chickens, so this is probably one of MANY questions I will have along our journey! We recently purchased some "less than week old" chicks from our local Rural King farm store yesterday: 4-Rhode Island Reds, 2-White Leghorns, and 2-Americauna Easter Eggers. All our supposed to be pullets. My question is this, one of the Americauna's eyes is closed and will not keep it open. I've looked at it and it does not appear to be injured in any way and I see no infection or discharge coming from it. Is this something to be concerned about or is this a "normal" issue with new chicks?

Thank You for your replies!

-Steve

Welcome to BYC!

Sleeping all the time is not normal,chicks do sleep a lot,but they also run around eating/drinking/pooping. If she is not eating/drinking something is up. Check her for pasty butt. Is she pooping? Try giving her sugar water or sav a chick or similar product. Watch her very carefully,make sure she is eating/drinking,make sure no other chicks are pecking/walking on her.

Since you are a new chicken keeper,i always suggest becoming knowledgeable regarding coccidiosis.Cocci is the leading cause of death among chicks,but is easily controlled using a coccidiostat. Knowing symptoms and starting treatment immediately will save a lot of heartache. I am not suggesting this is the issue,only for you to know the symptoms and treatment.

 

[akkiko42]

We had a chicky that seemed to have narcolepsy but my husband wouldn't let it fall asleep for like an hour and now its doing great

 

[sgoetz]

Thanks all for the replies. From what we can see, their doesn't seem to be any additional symptoms that she is exhibiting. She's eating, drinking, and running with the rest of the flock. I'll continue to monitor her closely and look for additional signs/symptoms.