One Eye Closed

[EddieLee]

We are about two weeks along with our new flock. We got two Brown Leghorns that were supposed to be about 5-6 months old. One of them has gone to completely closing her left eye at all times. For a while she was scratching at it frequently, but not its just always closed. She is a little more lethargic then her very very energetic sister. There doesn't appear to be any noticable irritation around the eye or anything like that. Her weight appears to still be good (she's bigger then her sis). And she still gets around fine. I have no idea what could be causing this.

On a side not, we have had them for a couple of weeks now, and even though they are of laying age (supposedly), we still have no eggs. I'm wondering is a) they are just not settled in to their new environment yet, b) they aren't actually of laying age, or c) they are really poor layers.?

Thanks again. I can always count on good tips and advice from the BYC community

 

[AnimalsComeFirst]

Try looking at this thread for advice... some hens just devolp blindness and there's nothing you can do about it, or there's a chance of merricks... if you open her eye, is it normal color? is it blue, green, orange? https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/420059/one-eye-closed-one-open

 

[EddieLee]

Lots of helpful stuff from that thread. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction.

- On the egg laying issue: I should probably mention that the coop is on a fence line that backs up to a very very busy street. Will street noise keep them so aggitated they never lay properly? or should they get used to it?

 

[AnimalsComeFirst]

Lots of helpful stuff from that thread. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction.

- On the egg laying issue: I should probably mention that the coop is on a fence line that backs up to a very very busy street. Will street noise keep them so aggitated they never lay properly? or should they get used to it?

They should get used to it. Give them a few more weeks and if they are still not laying, post on this thread again and we'll figure it out!