Chicken confused

[dianefbarfield]

I am working with her. She is EATING! Now, how do I get her in the coop at night. She sleeps outside unless I put her in!

 

[coach723]

If she can't see she's probably not able to find her way in. That is why I keep mine inside the run in a separate area. She doesn't have to find her way in and is secure. It very much depends on your particular set up, space you have, etc. But if a bird is blind, allowances and accommodations have to be made for that. They can do well if you are able to meet their particular needs and keep them safe from predators. She also cannot see anything coming, so is at a strong disadvantage in that way. If I had mine outside she would likely be picked off by a hawk, she would not be able to find cover or get inside even if others alerted on the hawk.

 

[Themellowyellows]

Following
I hope your hen is able to make it! Any idea how she became blind?

 

[Pukkits]

I am so happy to hear she's eating! I hope she continues to improve and you can find a way for her to adapt to her new condition.

I read you are leaving town and trying to find a fast solution. Do you think a jumbo dog crate could work short term? It could be placed in your secure chicken area (as raccoons can reach through the bars) so she could be near the flock, but protected from bullying and have her own resources.

 

[D Uccle Uncle]

Here is my problem. On July 12 I leave for the beach for a week. The chickens are in a secure run with a coop, food and water. A friend checks on them and collects eggs. I won't be here to take care of her. So I have to solve this before next Saturday.

If I was in such a situation, and didn't have someone available to provide 'loving' support, I'd bring this 6yo old gal in the house for the week i was gone, leaving the AC on. Maybe bringing her in a day or two early to acclimate (and see how she does).
-clear out a room
-ramshackle something dark to sleep in or under
-line the floor with something if needed
-for safety, have at least two non-tippable feeders and waterers
-have 1 feed/water station station near a LED (low fire risk) light connected to a timer that turned on/off sun-up/sun-down. If she can see light, she can use the LED like a lighthouse to get food/water.

I don't know about bringing a companion in with her. Ideally I wouldn't want to leave her alone, but weighing all the circumstances, it might be necessary. This said, if left alone, there's something to be said about having a radio on (daylight hours). A study on crocodiles using a special MRI machine showed that their brains processed classical music.

Lastly, many vet offices board animals, and in many locations people board dogs ("bed and biscuit" operations). These resources might be around you, possibly willing to help in your unusual circumstance.

 

[dianefbarfield]

Following
I hope your hen is able to make it! Any idea how she became blind?

No. It was sudden and no sign of injury.

 

[Themellowyellows]

No. It was sudden and no sign of injury.

Ohh ok.