Chick with deformed eyes- help

[BHFarm]

Somehow I find all the broken chicks at the feed store and am compelled to bring them home to try and fix them or give them a warm loving death. Today this girl was there...when I got her she had been picked on so has a huge scab on her head. Her eyes were not open at all. Once I got her home I used warm water and q-tips and they finally came open. However they are deformed. She’s not very sturdy, took a drink and stumbled backwards until she hit the brooder wall. But she is eating some and drinking and chirping! Anyone seen this before? Should she be ok? I’m cleaning up her head and will put something on it too.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Wow there does look to be something off about her eyes. Unfortunately I do not have any experience in this department. How is she doing now?

 

[Mamatomany123]

It looks like it may be a birth defect. I think shell be ok. Chickens adapt pretty well. And since shes able to eat and drink on her own I think she will make it.

 

[coach723]

If she's eating and drinking then she has a good chance. If she can see alright, then she will probably be OK. I'd just keep an eye on her, make sure she doesn't get trampled. See how she does with a little time. Had a chick hatch 3 weeks ago, had to assist and the chick had a swollen head on one side and was very small. I really didn't think it would make it. It had a very strong will to live, and now 3 weeks later it's hard to tell which one it is. It can be surprising sometimes. Good luck with the baby.

 

[BHFarm]

Wow there does look to be something off about her eyes. Unfortunately I do not have any experience in this department. How is she doing now?

She is drinking good, eating is a little more difficult so I have been giving her yolk to help supplement. She chirps a lot and sounds strong. Cant walk straight to save her life though. Very wobbly and goes backwards more than forward.

 

[BHFarm]

If she's eating and drinking then she has a good chance. If she can see alright, then she will probably be OK. I'd just keep an eye on her, make sure she doesn't get trampled. See how she does with a little time. Had a chick hatch 3 weeks ago, had to assist and the chick had a swollen head on one side and was very small. I really didn't think it would make it. It had a very strong will to live, and now 3 weeks later it's hard to tell which one it is. It can be surprising sometimes. Good luck with the baby.

She can see, just not sure how well or if its even normal sight. She doesnt run into things but cant walk straight or hold herself up for long without going backwards. She is in a separate brooder with a stuffed animal. I let her in with the other chicks often when I am watching her so she isnt hurt more.
Oh I love your story! I hope thats how it is with this girl.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

First, thank you for caring enough to try to help this tiny creature. We need more kindness like yours in the world.

Second, it does look like possible microphthalmia. I have a drake that hatched with the condition several years ago - the only duckling of the many I've hatched - and while he sees poorly, he lives a full life and is a real character. Quality of life can still be good for visually-impaired poultry.

Thought you might enjoy this inspiring thread, as I did. Wishing you both the best!

 

[Chickeria]

Hi BHFarm how is your little one doing?