Young Chicken Is Squinting Constantly (Video Included)

[Sundevill11]

Not sure what's going on with this chicken. It squints all the time and not because its tired. In addition to the squinting it acts like its drinking even when it's not. We've taken good care of it by keeping the eyes flushed and giving it nutritional supplements. Does anyone have any insight?

 

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open its beak and see if anything is caught in its mouth

 

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is it pooping? it looks like its trying to swallow something do you have any coconut oil that you could put in its beak to see if it loosens up anything it appears to be choking a lil to me but im not an expert im still learning

 

[Eggcessive]

How does the crop feel? It looks like there is something coming up into the throat from a full crop, or she is possibly having mucus drip down from the sinuses. Eye squinting could be from a respiratory infection. Do you see any bubbles in one eye? Is ther any clear nasal drainage or sneezing? What type of bedding are you using. How are the poops?

 

[Sundevill11]

There is nothing in its mouth.

 

[coach723]

How do droppings look? Sitting fluffed up, lethargy, and going off food and water are classic signs of coccidiosis. If droppings are runny, mucousy, or have any sign of blood, then I would start treatment right away with Corid. It's very common in chicks and young birds. Corid is very safe and will not do any harm even if that is not what it is, but coccidiosis can progress quickly and be fatal, so I would go ahead and treat. Do not give vitamins during treatment, that could reduce the effectiveness of the medication. I would treat all of them that are together and I would give that one an oral dose of the medication as well as the medicated water, dosing for that is here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/corid-oral-drench-instructions.1211991/
Treatment chart below, use the severe outbreak dosing. Medicated water needs to be the only water they have access to. In addition to the oral drench dose above, I would give her some of the medicated water orally several times a day until she starts drinking well on her own, you have to get the medication in her for it to work and sick birds often don't drink well. Corid is available at Tractor Supplies and many feed stores in the livestock/cattle section, pictures below.

 

[Sundevill11]

The chicken has been squinting since it was a tiny bird. Poops have been normal for last few weeks. Eye don't have any bubbles.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Can you please post some photos of the poop?
Check the crop first thing in the morning before she eats/drinks - it should be empty.

I agree, I would start treatment with Corid and see that she's actually drinking - that "swallowing/drinking" motion and the little "wiggle" looks like crop adjustment.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would also recommend starting some Corid in the water. It is the best place to start with a young bird who is sitting around looking drowsy and puffed up. There does not have to be blood in the poops to be coccidiosis—only a couple of the 7 or more strains cause blood. Coccidiosis can cause a slowdown of the emptying of the crop. If you do get the Corid, I would give 2 drops of the undiluted Corid twice a day in addition to drinking it in the water.

 

[Sundevill11]

Can you please post some photos of the poop?
Check the crop first thing in the morning before she eats/drinks - it should be empty.

I agree, I would start treatment with Corid and see that she's actually drinking - that "swallowing/drinking" motion and the little "wiggle" looks like crop adjustment.

My apologies that I haven't posted picture of the poop. What I can say is that its poops have been mostly normal for some time now. The last day or two we've seen some watery poo but then it goes right back to normal poop. We went ahead and ordered some Corid and anticipate administering it by Wednesday. The chicken is very active and is eating and drinking normally. I just find it odd that its just squinting all the time. On a side note, does this chicken still look like a hen to everyone?