turkey poult needs help!

[oodymex]

i just hatched2 turkey poults, more are still hatching, but the second one that has hatched has not been able to open its eyes, it hatched early this morning like about 6am. the one that hatched before it opened its eyes as soon as it hatched. anything i can do? or should do? camera isn't working or else id put a pic up. can poults/chiciks hatch blind?

 

[threehorses]

Is it active like the other? Are they still in the incubator? (You shouldn't open the incubator during hatch time.) If he's out, you could put a drop of warm water on each eyelid in case the glue-like mucus from the egg keeps his eyes closed. Otherwise, examine him and look to see if they're truly unable to open - or if he's just tired.

Make sure, of course, that they're in a dry and warm place, the proper temp for week one, with no drafts.

 

[oodymex]

it's still in the incubator with its brother and more that are currently hatching. but it runs around the incubator like a clumsy blind bird. i watched it for a good 15 20 minutes b/c i thought it was tired also but no luck it didn't open its eyes but i could notice its eyeball squirming under his eyelid. the other poult opens his eyes fine. aghh idk wat to doooo

 

[threehorses]

Quote:
Well he'll be good without opening his eyes til he gets out, so that's good news. Leave him in there for the sake of the whole flock.

When you get him out, dampen those eyelids and gently see what you can find. I've seen some get their eyes glued (temporarily) like that during hatch if humidity was low.

 

[oodymex]

okay guess i'll just wait till the last egg hatches and then i'll work my magic. thx

 

[threehorses]

Quote:
I'd love to hear how it goes! What breeds did you breed? We're big turkey fans here.

 

[oodymex]

i did what you said and it worked!!! the lil fella is able to see fine now. i think they are porter caclicos. thx for your help!

 

[threehorses]

Quote:
YAY!! Yep sometimes they just get what I call "chick glue" on them. I'm so relieved! I just looked up the porter calicos and they look gorgeous! Good luck with those babies.

 

[chunky_ficken]

Cheers!