How can chicken go blind?

Chickens are diurnal animals, meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night. Their eyes are adapted to low-light conditions, and they have excellent vision in the daylight. However, they can still go blind due to a variety of causes.

1. Nutritional Deficiencies

Vitamin A deficiency is the most common cause of blindness in chickens. Vitamin A is essential for the production of rhodopsin, a pigment in the retina that is necessary for vision in low light. Without enough vitamin A, chickens will develop night blindness and eventually go completely blind.

2. Cataracts

Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, injury, and certain diseases. Cataracts can gradually worsen and eventually lead to blindness.

3. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure inside the eye increases. This can damage the optic nerve and lead to blindness. Glaucoma is relatively rare in chickens, but it can be caused by certain eye injuries or tumors.

4. Marek's Disease

Marek's disease is a viral infection that can affect chickens of all ages. In addition to causing a variety of other symptoms, Marek's disease can also lead to blindness.

5. Injuries

Eye injuries can also cause blindness in chickens. Injuries to the eye can occur from fights with other chickens, predators, or from sharp objects in the environment.

If you think your chicken is going blind, it is important to take them to a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent complete blindness.