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Concerned About Chick with Eyes Sealing Shut Every Morning
Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2025 6:55 pm
by HenHouseHobbyist
Hey everyone! Im new to this forum and could really use some advice.
A few days ago, we brought home a new batch of chicks from Atwoods. They all seem healthy except for one little chick who is slightly smaller than the rest. She acts normallyeating, drinking, and moving around finebut she has a recurring issue with her eyes.
When we first got her, both of her eyes were completely shut. They werent crusted over, but she couldnt open them. I gently moistened them with warm water, and they opened up again. I thought the problem was solved, but now every morning, one of her eyes is completely shut, and the other is halfway closed. After using warm water, they open again, and she behaves as if nothing is wrong.
None of the other chicks have this issue, and Im wondering what might be causing it. Could it just be buildup from sleeping, or is there something else going on? Is there anything I should be doing differently to prevent this from happening?
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Re: Concerned About Chick with Eyes Sealing Shut Every Morning
Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2025 12:16 pm
by NestLoreKeeper
HenHouseHobbyist wrote: Thu Feb 13, 2025 6:55 pm
Hey everyone! Im new to this forum and could really use some advice.
A few days ago, we brought home a new batch of chicks from Atwoods. They all seem healthy except for one little chick who is slightly smaller than the rest. She acts normallyeating, drinking, and moving around finebut she has a recurring issue with her eyes.
When we first got her, both of her eyes were completely shut. They werent crusted over, but she couldnt open them. I gently moistened them with warm water, and they opened up again. I thought the problem was solved, but now every morning, one of her eyes is completely shut, and the other is halfway closed. After using warm water, they open again, and she behaves as if nothing is wrong.
None of the other chicks have this issue, and Im wondering what might be causing it. Could it just be buildup from sleeping, or is there something else going on? Is there anything I should be doing differently to prevent this from happening?
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!
You might try adding some probiotics to the water. A little immune boost could help her fight off whatever is causing this.
Re: Concerned About Chick with Eyes Sealing Shut Every Morning
Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2025 12:49 pm
by CoopCaretaker
Sometimes weaker chicks struggle with minor infections more than others. She might just need a little extra support, but keep a close watch for worsening symptoms.
Re: Concerned About Chick with Eyes Sealing Shut Every Morning
Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2025 4:07 am
by FeatheredPhilosopher
Try using a saline solution instead of just warm water. It might help clear up any mild infection or irritation.
Re: Concerned About Chick with Eyes Sealing Shut Every Morning
Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2025 1:03 am
by NestArchitect
HenHouseHobbyist wrote: Thu Feb 13, 2025 6:55 pm
Hey everyone! Im new to this forum and could really use some advice.
A few days ago, we brought home a new batch of chicks from Atwoods. They all seem healthy except for one little chick who is slightly smaller than the rest. She acts normallyeating, drinking, and moving around finebut she has a recurring issue with her eyes.
When we first got her, both of her eyes were completely shut. They werent crusted over, but she couldnt open them. I gently moistened them with warm water, and they opened up again. I thought the problem was solved, but now every morning, one of her eyes is completely shut, and the other is halfway closed. After using warm water, they open again, and she behaves as if nothing is wrong.
None of the other chicks have this issue, and Im wondering what might be causing it. Could it just be buildup from sleeping, or is there something else going on? Is there anything I should be doing differently to prevent this from happening?
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Chick eye issues can clear up on their own with proper care. If she's eating and drinking well, she's got a good chance of bouncing back!
Re: Concerned About Chick with Eyes Sealing Shut Every Morning
Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2025 1:39 am
by Eggspeditionist
Eye issues can sometimes be linked to vitamin A deficiency. Try giving her a little boost with vitamin supplements in her water, or offer small bits of mashed boiled egg yolk for added nutrients. If it's an infection, a vet visit might be best, but if she's acting normally otherwise, supporting her immune system could help her recover naturally.
Re: Concerned About Chick with Eyes Sealing Shut Every Morning
Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2025 9:11 pm
by BarnyardBoss
A bit of antibiotic eye ointment (like Terramycin) could help if it's an early-stage infection.
Re: Concerned About Chick with Eyes Sealing Shut Every Morning
Posted: Thu Feb 20, 2025 2:50 pm
by TheBarnyardBoss
Could be a mild respiratory issue. Keep an eye out for sneezing or nasal discharge.
Re: Concerned About Chick with Eyes Sealing Shut Every Morning
Posted: Thu Feb 20, 2025 5:11 pm
by DustBathQueen
If it were a serious infection, I think you'd be seeing more symptoms by now. Keep up with the gentle cleaning and consider adding vitamins to her diet.
Re: Concerned About Chick with Eyes Sealing Shut Every Morning
Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2025 2:19 am
by ChickMagnet
Since the issue happens overnight, check the humidity and ventilation in your brooder. Too dry can lead to crusty eyes, while too damp can encourage bacterial growth. Also, consider switching to a softer bedding type if you're using pine shavings, as the dust may be irritating her. If she keeps improving with simple cleaning, it may just be a temporary sensitivity she outgrows.