Blindness in Chickens: Causes, Signs and Care Guide

Blindness in chickens is a relatively uncommon but serious condition that can arise from several causes including disease, injury, nutrition, and environment. Understanding the causes, recognising the signs early, and providing appropriate care can help ensure your chickens live comfortable lives despite any vision impairment.

Common Causes of Blindness in Chickens

Chickens can lose their sight for various reasons, some of which include:

• Injuries from cockfights: Cockerels, especially as they mature, may fight, causing severe eye trauma that could lead to blindness.
• Conjunctivitis and other infections: If untreated, eye infections can become severe and lead to permanent damage.
• Feathers obstructing vision: Many crested breeds, such as the Poland chicken, have feathers growing into or near their eyes that interfere with sight.
• Marek's disease: Certain strains can cause an affected eye to turn grey, causing partial or total blindness. This viral disease has no cure but can be managed with vaccination and biosecurity.
• Environmental causes: Poorly ventilated housing can lead to high ammonia levels damaging the cornea permanently. Good coop ventilation is essential to prevent this.
• Physical trauma and scratches: Even minor trauma to a chicken's eye can cause damage and eventual blindness if left untreated.
• Respiratory infections: Upper respiratory tract infections often cause pus around the eyes, which can temporarily fuse eyelids together, impairing vision.

Signs Your Chicken’s Sight Is Impaired

Spotting vision problems early helps in getting timely treatment. Common signs include chickens missing food when pecking, weight loss, or difficulty navigating the coop. While trauma and infection are common causes, nutritional deficiencies, particularly Vitamin A deficiency, can also impair sight. Feeding a balanced diet with sufficient Vitamin A or supplementing carefully can prevent deficiency-related issues. However, excessive Vitamin A is toxic, so moderation is vital.

Managing Injuries Caused by Fighting

Fighting among cockerels is a common issue. Their sharp spurs can cause serious injuries not only to one another but also to hens during mating. Regular checks on hens for wounds, especially under the wings, help spot injuries early. Treat wounds with poultry-safe antibiotic ointment to avoid infection. Reducing fighting involves trimming cockerels' spurs carefully, avoiding damage to blood vessels by only cutting the tips, and smoothing the edges with a file. In case of bleeding from spur trimming, using super-glue or a Veterinary Silver Nitrate pencil will stop bleeding safely.

How Chickens Adapt to Blindness

Chickens can adapt well to losing sight in one or even both eyes if they are kept in safe, secure enclosures without predators. However, completely blind chickens are more vulnerable in open environments. Providing easy access to food and water, companion birds, and a sheltered environment improves their quality of life significantly. Gentle handling and monitoring their condition are essential for their wellbeing.

Care and Treatment

Always consult a vet if you suspect eye infections or serious injuries. Veterinarians can prescribe safe antibiotic eye drops tailored for poultry. Avoid using human or unprescribed medications on chicken eyes as they may cause harm. Ensuring good coop hygiene, proper ventilation, and a nutritious diet including Vitamin A are crucial preventive measures. Supplements like friendly bacteria can aid digestive health, improving nutrient absorption and overall health.

Conclusion

Chicken eyes are delicate and injuries or infections should be treated immediately and with care. Acting promptly, feeding a balanced diet, and maintaining good housing conditions are key to preventing blindness. Should any eye problem arise, seek veterinary advice for appropriate treatment to ensure your chickens live healthy, happy lives. Responsible chicken ownership includes regular health checks and monitoring behaviour to catch problems early before they lead to permanent damage.