Three week old chicks won't open their eyes

[broodybunch]

Hello All! I need advice from anyone who has experience with this. I purchased two rhode islands from the feed store and put them under one of my many broody hens. She took them. Everything has gone fine for a week but this morning I noticed she was calling them to eat and they had trouble finding her. I took a closer look and both the chicks eyes were closed. I thought maybe a foxtail but their eyes look fine. I rinsed them with Saline solution just in case but their eyes are staying shut. I get them to drink (chick boost) and even eat (yogurt, egg,mashed up feed) but nothing is working. No red poop, no crust or trauma to the eyes, no pasty butt, no trouble breathing. What is going on? What should I do?

 

[GitaBooks]

Welcome to BYC!

I'm sorry to hear about your chicks. I'm not sure what the problem is, but here are some suggestions as to what it could be:

Injured corneas, which lead to chickens holding their eyes shut. The cornea will often look cloudy. Ammonia fumes can lead to eye problems as well. Antibiotic ointment applied twice a day may help with this.

Conjunctiva can be helped by washing the eye out, as you have been doing. This should be done twice a day.

Hope this helps and hope they get better soon!

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi

Glad you could join the flock! Sorry to hear you have a couple of sick chicks I too am not sure what else to suggest for your chicks. But please do post in the emergencies injuries disease and cure section. Here is the link ~ https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures

Wishing you the very best of luck with your chicks, I hope you are able to get them well again soon

 

[drumstick diva]

Were their eyes open when you bought them? You don't think your broody may have harmed them somehow? That is really a puzzle.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[broodybunch]

Thank you all for your help. This has been a mystery. Since i was unable to diagnose them i did anything and everything i knew to make them better. feed them yogurt, boiled egg, medicated chick feed, and banana. gave them a probiotic chick boost and antibiotic in their water. kept them under a heat lamp and held them under my chin when i could. ( extra love never hurts right? ) update: Their eyes are open and they are way more lively. One rests more than the other but they are both able to see and less lethargic. Thank you for all your advice and support.

 

[GitaBooks]

So glad they are doing better!

They are lucky to have you as their owner.