Author Topic: Day old chick has a cloudy eye? (Read 4561 times)

NicandChic · « **on:** March 28, 2015, 12:36:47 pm »

Hatched 3 Sumatra chicks yesterday, 1 has a film of grey over its eye - looks like it's blind? Other eye is normal. Only thing I can find googling is Mareks which Im not sure is possible as it doesn't transfer from mum to egg etc, only other thing I can think of is maybe a trauma? Anyone have experience of this?
All 3 chicks look very sleepy, I've dipped all their beaks in water but no interest or in pecking about for food $:-\$

chrismahon · « **Reply #1 on:** March 28, 2015, 01:37:29 pm »

Is the inner eyelid stuck NicandChic? Chicks won't eat for at least 24 hours after hatching because they are still absorbing the yolk. Perhaps they will eat and drink tomorrow? You may have to encourage them because not all will do it automatically- they should have a mummy showing them what to do of course.

NicandChic · « **Reply #2 on:** March 28, 2015, 01:51:16 pm »

No it's not the inner lid I can see that popping back and forward, it's over 24hrs now since they hatched, just been sat watching them...ones pecking the life out the other 2 already, they just don't seem quite right! I recently hatched some light Sussex who were up and about eating and drinking pecking about, these just seem different! Just noticed another is holding one of its eyes shut, eye looks normal!! Strange!

Eve · « **Reply #3 on:** March 28, 2015, 07:23:00 pm »

Don't know what would cause the cloudy eye but you can indeed rule out Marek's as you're right about it not being transferred via the egg.

Good luck to those chicks

NicandChic · « **Reply #4 on:** March 28, 2015, 10:21:03 pm »

All eating & drinking

Attached pic of the chicks eye, still cant find anything on the Internet

Eve · « **Reply #5 on:** March 29, 2015, 09:14:21 am »

Hmmm... Maybe call some avian vets and vet schools on Monday and see if you can email them the picture?
Sometimes they haven't seen that problem in birds before but recognise it from other animals.

Great news on the eating & drinking, very pleased for you and them

Louise Gaunt · « **Reply #6 on:** March 29, 2015, 10:54:39 am »

I don't know much about chickens but that looks as though it may be a cataract. Possibly due to a problem during development. If it was due to congenital infection I would expect it to be bilateral.