Poultry Talk Ontario (pto.ca)

Hi Guys,
i have a 6 day old Polish chick that is not really eating and drinking on its own. i put it by the water dish and it will drink but i have to stuff its face in the food dish and force feed the little bugger. this is not going to go on much longer. the others peck and run around and this one seems to just want to stand under the heat lamp and cheep his little head off. now i'm wondering if it can see... anyone with experience in this department or how i can tell. i have tried to wave my hand in front of it's face but they are so fidgety it's hard to tell... also he won't read the eye chart on the wall
Sue

Get a flashlight and check for pupillary reaction in each eye.

When you put him by the water dish, do you have to dip his beak in it to show him it's there? Or does he put his beak in on his own, and if so, does he make several attempts before actually connecting with the water?

I have seen this before with polish, I don't know if they are blind but it's something to do with the eyes. I've never had any luck saving them.

windwalkingwolf wrote:QR_BBPOST When you put him by the water dish, do you have to dip his beak in it to show him it's there? Or does he put his beak in on his own, and if so, does he make several attempts before actually connecting with the water?

when he is standing by it, he seems to know it is there and dips his beak in several times by himself, whatever it is, he's not quite right... he gets til tomorrow to snap out of it

kenya wrote:QR_BBPOST I have seen this before with polish, I don't know if they are blind but it's something to do with the eyes. I've never had any luck saving them.

i've raised lots too and i've never had one act like this.. i know what needs to be done

Sorry Sue!

Sorry SUe.

thanks guys... i know we have to do this from time to time... just part of the deal, but i just wish they weren\t so darn cute, it would make it alot easier

I dont think this will ever get easier. I have a friggin hell of a time doing it myself.