seabrights from feed store

[springcreekchic]

We purchased two little seabright bantams from one of our local feed stores. Inside the store, they would not let us touch the birds or examine them, as biosecurity measures. When we took the chicks out of the little box they were transported in, at home, they both had serious eye issues. They are three days home now, so most likely 5 or 6 days old. We rinsed the eyes with sterilized saline solution, gently dabbed each eye with original neosporin, and ground their feed extra fine. I added flax seed, a little scratch mix, and made sure to put electrolytes and a little Apple Cidar Vinegar along with a little sugar in their water. I am keeping their heat at 90-95F until they are better. They are quarantined in their own little tub. I am not hopeful. They are eating and drinking, but their little heads are slightly swollen. Every time I have dealt with this, I have lost the chick. Is there anything else that I should be doing for these little guys? Any guesses what this might be? No bubbles in the eyes, just oval shaped eyes, feathers are missing underneath the eyes from 'scratching' with their feet. I think other chicks might have picked at their eyes. No discharge or discoloration. The eyes are actually clear and normal, just swollen around. They both have lapsed a few times over the past few days, too weak to open their eyes until I dropper fed them little drops of water and gently rubbed their sides a little to get a response. A little warm water on the eyes seemed to help. Placing a little ground feed on their beak to get them to peck seemed to start them eating. I really don't know what else to do for them. Any advice is deeply appreciated!

 

[springcreekchic]

This is just a little update on my seabrights. I washed their eyes with sterile saline solution (homemade) and then applied a little Neosporin arounf their eyes (very carefully) for two days. This is the third day and they are doing well. Their chests are fuller and less lopsided and their eyes are bright and clear. A can see a little irritation around the eyes, but they are blinking and watching me watch them, so they are doing really well. I would not have guessed it two days ago, but I think they actually might be doing ok! I am so thankful for the information found on this forum. I would not have known what to do otherwise!

 

[seminolewind]

Good for you!

 

[RussianChickens]

I just got chicks from my TSC that were originally sneezing and then had eye deformities. Which thankfully they seem to be growing out of. I'm keeping them for eggers or giving them to a friend who wants them for eggers. I don't want funky genes even in my mix breed flock. So if they keep doing well they will be eggers.

I don't like how TSC won't let you examine the chicks anymore. I get the fences to keep kids out but seriously! Let us at least look at them!

 

[springcreekchic]

It is the second day now that my little seabrights are clear eyed and acting normal. I think maybe giving them another week before claiming that they are cured is a wise move. On the cuteness scales, however, they are now topping the charts. They call for me when I am not around or they can't see me. They climb my arms and rest on my shoulder & under my chin. I usually don't encourage this sort of thing out of fear of disease, but it is hard to say no when something the size of a walnut wants to snuggle in. I am also fearful of them freezing to death. Either way, cuteness overload!