OMG!!! Duck born without eyes! ***UPDATE!! 11/01 with pics***

[drumstick diva]

His story and his delightful personality would make a great book too for kids with special needs (adults too). Wish you had a video of him enjoying his bath and getting around like a duck.

 

[ChIck3n]

I'm glad you decided to keep him! I had a little old turkey with just one eye, and she was the friendliest bird I had ever owned! As long as he can find food and shelter he should be perfectly happy. He may even develop a little sight in that one eye. Good luck!

 

[bufforp89]

Thanks for all of the name suggestions guys, They were great. I also would not name him anything that makes fun of his disability but I think he needs a name with a little humor in it

I am leaning towards Stevie, thought it was funny without poking much fun at him and it would work for a boy or a girl.

He really has become a joy to have. I really like waking up in the morning and hearing him peep at me to hurry up and take him out of his box. Hes pretty demanding

He is actually fast asleep on my lap as I type this! I also love taking him to work with me everyday and showing him off to all of the people who stop by, Im lucky to have a job that allows me to do this (I work at a training stable)

I think later today Im going to take him outside and let him browse around a little and get a feel for it. I want him to know that there is a big world out there. Thanks again everyone for the support!

 

[chicks4life]

I think he will do great if he had another duck to bond with and keep him company. A duck will help him find food and communicate with him. I couldn't hurt

 

[lemurchaser]

That's great what you're doing for him. I have a blind chicken named "Helen" who with some minor adjustments lives a normal life. She's 3 years old now, and I've had to teach her to find the food bowl, how to go up the ramp to the coop but that's about it. I taught her to eat out of a bowl, so when I bring the flock treats, I put hers in a bowl (and protect it from the others) and she feels for the food in the bowl and then eats it. Otherwise she'd never get treats that are scattered. She ranges in the fenced back yard with the other girls, and is pretty much a normal chicken... except she's easy to catch, she can't see you coming. Oh, and she'll get up in the middle of the night to eat, and doesn't molt at the right time of year (missing the light cues). Her newest accomplishment is that she's learned to eat grass, so she actually eats stuff out in the yard, whereas before she'd just wander around with the other girls.

I would really recommend you have another duck for your little one. A younger duckling would be fine, it would look up to little Stevie. Helen has learned so much from the other chickens and will follow them around, she uses them like her eyes. Ducks are also flock animals, so they will be lonely when you are not around.

 

[growinupinfl]

If the bird is normal in every other respect and you have experience caring for blind animals I would keep it. If it turns out there is something else wrong that is incompatible with living it will die out on it's own. But if it is only blind and you know what to do go for it.. I mean you are already doing it.. Plus it might make for some valuable information one day, anomalies like that and an animals instintive adjustment teaches humans all sorts of things. Someone kept a headless chicken alive...go for it.. I would like to see what it grows up like, if it can..

Christal

 

[chikeemomma25]

Oh bless it! And you! So sweet!

 

[duckyfromoz]

So glad to hear things are going well so far for you and your little one. How wonderful that you are able to take him to work with you. I am also lucky enough to be able to take ducklings to work when required. Im sure the two of you already have a wonderful bond. It really is a wonderful experience to care for a disabled animal.

 

[growinupinfl]

I've been wondering how little Stevie is doing? I hope growing well and living a happy life. Let me know I think it is awesome and your raising him is awesome. I just wanted to know if you have noticed any other abnormalities or is it just the eyes. I hope your having a great summer.

Christal

 

[drumstick diva]

Good to hear Stevie is doing well. What a delight he is to read about.