sense of smell

[cactus-hen]

Do chickens have a good sense of smell? I have a pullet that may be blind. She had an infection in both eyes several months go. She healed up nicely and is back with the flock. She doesn't flinch when I put my hands near her eyes. I fed her separately for a month to insure she got enough to eat. She forages with the flock but still comes to me to eat. Her crop has stuff in it but is not overly full unless I feed her separately. Can she smell the food on the ground? Do I need to continue to feed he separately?

 

[Merryment]

They don't have much of a sense of smell. They are more visually & aurally stimulated. Hopefully her sisters help her out some as well.

 

[AinaWGSD]

From what I understand, most birds have about as good a sense of smell as humans, maybe a little poorer. I'm sure some things she can smell, but I doubt she can smell enough for it to significantly help her in finding food. I think there have been several members who have had blind chickens, might be worth a search to see if you can dig up some of their threads and see what they did to help their birds adjust.

 

[Carrie Lynn]

I agree w/ Aina. Also, most feeds have a comparatively weak scent.