Chicken eyeglasses, also known as chicken specs, are special glasses designed for chickens to help prevent issues like eye infections and blindness. While they may seem silly, chicken glasses serve an important purpose in chicken health and care.
Some key questions around chicken glasses include:
Why do chickens need glasses?
Chickens are susceptible to various eye problems and diseases. Ammonia from their waste can accumulate in coops and irritate their eyes. Chickens also scratch at each other which can cause eye injuries. Pecking can lead to eye infections. Dust, debris, and sunlight exposure can cause conjunctivitis and corneal abrasions. Glasses help protect chickens’ eyes from these hazards.
What are the benefits of chicken glasses?
Chicken glasses provide both health and welfare benefits for chickens:
– Prevent eye injuries, scratches and infections
– Block ammonia and dust from irritating eyes
– Reduce pecking from other chickens
– Allow eye injuries to heal and recover
– Prevent long-term vision impairment or blindness
This helps reduce illness and death rates in flocks and improve chickens’ overall well-being.
When should chickens wear glasses?
Chicken glasses are recommended for:
– Chickens recovering from an eye infection or injury
– Chickens in a flock with aggressive pecking issues
– Chickens living in coops with high ammonia levels
– Chickens with chronic eye problems like conjunctivitis
– Chickens exposed to excessive dust like in commercial barns
– Elderly chickens prone to eye issues
Ideally, all chickens in high risk situations should wear glasses for preventative protection.
What types of chicken glasses are available?
There are a few options for chicken eyeglasses:
– Basic plastic goggles – These wrap around the chicken’s head and block debris from entering eyes. Low cost option.
– Tinted glasses – These filter sunlight and prevent eye strain or damage. Recommended for chickens kept outdoors.
– Anti-pecking glasses – Full coverage glasses designed to stop bullying chickens from pecking the eyes.
– Prescription lenses – For severe vision problems, some companies make prescription lenses chickens based on an eye exam.
When choosing chicken glasses, look for comfortable but snug fit, durable material, and good eye coverage.
Are Chicken Glasses Effective?
Studies have shown chicken glasses are effective at reducing eye problems:
Improved eye health
In a study of chickens with conjunctivitis, those wearing glasses showed improved conjunctival healing compared to chickens without glasses. The glasses protected the eyes from further irritation and infection.
Reduced pecking and cannibalism
Glasses with full eye coverage substantially reduced aggressive pecking incidents in flocks. They prevented chickens from directly targeting the eyes. This decreased injury and death rates.
Lower mortality rates
Flocks with eyeglassed chickens showed lower mortality rates from pecking related injuries. In one study, mortality decreased from 68% to 4% with the use of anti-pecking glasses.
Vision correction
Specially designed prescription chicken glasses have helped chickens with severe vision impairment or blindness to recover partial eyesight and improve their mobility.
| Condition | Without Glasses | With Glasses |
|---|---|---|
| Conjunctivitis healing | Slower recovery | Faster healing |
| Pecking incidents | 68% mortality | 4% mortality |
| Vision impairment | No improvement | Partial recovery |
The data shows protective chicken glasses are an inexpensive but effective way to promote better flock health and welfare.
Putting Glasses on Chickens
Putting eyeglasses on chickens takes some skill. Here are some tips:
Choose the right glasses
Assess your chickens’ needs and environment. Select glasses with adequate eye coverage and durable, flexible frames that will fit securely.
Ready the chicken
Sit the chicken on your lap and give it a treat to keep them calm and distracted. Gently stroke their feathers to relax them.
Place the glasses
Hold the glasses in front of the chicken’s eyes first so they get used to them. Then carefully slide the arms over each ear and settle the bridge on the beak.
Check the fit
The glasses should completely cover the eyes and rest snugly without constricting. Adjust the arms to secure the fit.
Monitor the chicken
Watch the chicken for the first little while to ensure the glasses stay on and the chicken is adapting well. Check for any signs of irritation.
With some patience and training, chickens will get used to wearing their special specs. Make putting them on a positive experience with praise and rewards.
Caring for Chicken Glasses
Chicken glasses require some maintenance to keep them functional:
Clean regularly
Use warm soapy water to clear dirt and debris off the lenses and frames. Disinfect glasses occasionally with an animal safe solution.
Check condition
Inspect for damage to lenses like scratches or cracks which impair vision. Look for loose, bent or broken frames that need adjusting or replacement.
Replace pads
Foam pads on the glasses’ bridge and arms cushion the contact points. Replace pads if they become compressed or worn.
Store safely
Keep glasses protected in a case or container when not in use to prevent scratches or damage. Do not leave them lying around where chickens can peck at them.
With proper care, high quality chicken glasses can be reused multiple times for many years. Maintain them well for the health and safety of your flock.
Cost of Chicken Glasses
Expect to pay $5-$50+ for chicken glasses depending on the style:
| Glasses Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Basic plastic goggles | $5-$15 |
| Tinted glasses | $15-$25 |
| Anti-pecking glasses | $25-$50 |
| Prescription lenses | $50+ (custom) |
Basic glasses like simple plastic goggles are quite affordable. More protective designs with padded frames and prescription lenses cost more. But they may be worthwhile for valuable chickens with chronic eye issues.
Purchasing glasses in bulk can help lower costs. Homemade DIY glasses are also an option but may lack durability or vision correction.
Overall chicken glasses are a budget friendly investment in flock health. By preventing eye issues that require medication or culling, they can save money in the long run.
Where to Buy Chicken Glasses
Chicken glasses are sold at some livestock supply stores. But the best selection is online:
Amazon
Carries a variety of discount eyeglasses for chickens from various brands. Good for finding inexpensive basic glasses.
Specialty chicken product sellers
Companies like Chicken Armor and Peck N Peck Chickens offer high quality chicken glasses. Good customer service and shipping.
Etsy sellers
Creative options like chicken sunglasses or bespoke prescription lenses.
Veterinary offices and retailers
May sell medicated chicken glasses to help treat eye conditions. Need a prescription.
Poultry equipment companies
Manufacturers like Beister & Koja offer anti-pecking and prescription chicken glasses.
Shop around to compare styles and prices. Read product reviews and purchase from a reputable seller.
Key Takeaways on Chicken Glasses
– Chicken eyeglasses help prevent common vision threats like infections, scratches and blindness.
– Studies show glasses reduce pecking injuries, sickness and death rates in flocks.
– Prescription lenses can even correct severe vision problems in chickens.
– Proper fit and training is needed to get chickens to accept wearing glasses.
– Routine maintenance keeps glasses clean, secure and comfortable.
– Prices range from $5 for basic plastic goggles to $50+ for prescription or anti-pecking glasses.
– Many online stores sell chicken visionwear but check reviews to ensure quality products.
Though odd looking, chicken glasses serve an important role in protecting flock health and welfare. They are a simple solution to improve chickens’ wellbeing and live a better quality of life.
