Newly hatched chick. NO EYES! **UPDATE 1-31-12** SHE LAYED!!!!!!!!

[Nimby Chickens]

I actually looked up a few more cases of eyeless chickens that were the same cross or a silkie crossed with a chicken without a domed skull. It very well could be that the silkie skull formation has effects on the way eyes are implemented, especially since they aren't really 'eyeless' so much as they just lack eyelids and the muscles they need to move the eye open and closed. I would be interested to know if they still have the blink reflex or ANY muscle development under the fused lid. Can you or the OP see movement in the eye area if you scoop the chick up and look close? Kind of like how humans are during the rem cycle.

In any case, it's quite interesting! Genetics is a fascinating subject to me - especially mutations. Guess that's why I'm an X-Men fan?

 

[Barrdwing]

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No, there is no twitching/muscle activity under the skin covering where the eyes would be, and nothing but a concave, empty space where there should be an eye. Her skull shape is different from normal: the entire dorsal orbital ridge failed to form, so the top of her head looks kind of elongated and flat. I know that most of these cases actually do have tiny, nearly vestigial eyes somewhere in there, but it would take a biopsy to find hers!

She may or may not respond to very bright light: occasionally she startles when a light is turned on, but I can't tell if it is the light or the snapping sound of the switch that makes her jump. I've shined a bright flashlight in her face several times, but she doesn't flinch.

On a related note, I have one Silky/EE cross, one Polish/d'Uccle cross, and one Houdan/Andalusian cross. All of these have normal eyes. I do wonder if there is some type of genetic interaction with Silky crosses, though, that leads to a higher incidence of tiny eye. It could be a very interesting study. Silkies are unusual birds in many ways, and I would be willing to bet that a genetic sequencing would show up more differences than the ones that we see on the outside of the bird, like the feathers and the skin color.

Something that was curious: when Sonar broke with pox about eighteen months ago, the first signs were scabs and crusts at her ear openings and where the margins of her eyelids would have been. I am assuming that the virus attacked glandular skin cells in these areas, and took it as an indicator that she does have some of the eyelid glands that a normal bird would have. Thank goodness the pox did not take its worst form with her; she was sick but recovered quickly.

 

[sumi]

We do things by the saying "Where there's live, there's hope" So happy to have found your story. You are an inspiration.

I'll keep following this thread. Give the little thing a big kiss from me.

 

[julnjake]

So what happened? Any updates? How is he doing?

 

[LauraB]

Cutest chick ever! Glad that you stuck with it!!!

I'd be interested in an update too! Maybe a new picture?

 

[Pharm Girl]

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X3

 

[Lisa0318]

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Awwwww this is too cute it made my eyes tear up a bit to see the video

, you are a good mommy to this baby chick.

 

[Rainstorm]

Hey havnt gotten around to updating in awhile, he's still doing GREAT! 9/8 he will be 3 months old!

He's still veryyy small, already had 3 sets of chicks outgrow him, been keeping him in the baby pen and let him babysit all the hatchlingsin a big rabbit hutch outside, so much fuzz he keeps em warm good. He LOVES his babies! Eats and drinks great.

Still hard to tell if its a hen or rooster. Kinda hoping rooster because I have 2 frizzle hens and though probably not id love some frizzle babies, hes still very friendly and loves to cuddle

 

[dkcrumly]

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Oh my gosh, what a cutie pie! Thanks for the updated photos!
kristen

 

[sumi]

Thank you for the lovely photo's! He's beautiful and he looks happy. Thank you for taking such good care of him. I'm saying "him", maybe he is a boy!