Training a blind chicken to find food and water

[Dkaye]

I have a chicken that is blind how can I train her to be independent in finding her food and water. I currently hold it for her but my work schedule will not allow me to do so everyday. Any advice appreciated

 

[picklestheduck]

hmmm I'm not sure. I've heard of people placing different bedding or gravel down around boundaries and such so blind animals know where things are...I dont know if that would work though... I'm sorry I'm not entirely sure except for showing her continuously where the food and water are and like always keep them there. Could she follow other chickens? A seeing eye buddy?

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Does she live alone? Once she learns where the food and water are, never move them and make sure that they are always full.

 

[Dr Evy]

Welcome to BYC. We’re so glad you joined!
Best of luck with your blind chicken!

 

[SilverBirds]

Welcome! Does she live alone or with other birds? What is your setup like? Is she full grown or a chick? I think she would just need to get used to her surroundings. I agree with Pickles.
Adding certain textures to different areas will help her figure out her surroundings.

 

[Dkaye]

Welcome! Does she live alone or with other birds? What is your setup like? Is she full grown or a chick? I think she would just need to get used to her surroundings. I agree with Pickles.
Adding certain textures to different areas will help her figure out her surroundings.

She lives with 2 others and is about 1 year old. They have a hutch and an attached run and are free range. She has only been blind for a couple weeks

 

[Kenneth Zweerink]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens. And a Big Hello from Eastern Nebraska!

 

[SilverBirds]

She lives with 2 others and is about 1 year old. They have a hutch and an attached run and are free range. She has only been blind for a couple weeks

Do you have pictures of her? How did she become blind?

 

[Grammy60]

Hello and welcome to BYC So happy you have joined us.
Best of luck with your hen

 

[Dkaye]

That’s a good question. One I don’t have an answer for. She started limping around a couple weeks ago. But was still hanging out with the other 2 roaming the backyard and going up at nite and coming down in the morning. The limping stopped but when I was away with my surgery my daughter was looking after them and told me she didn’t go up that nite but she put her up then the next morning she didn’t come out. Once I was home and observed her I realized she can’t see. I have a vet appointment next week to get her checked out