Hi everyone- I had a tragic event happen yesterday after we received our new babies from MPC. One tiny little cochin bantam chick was accidentally stepped on by my daughter. She's 2 1/2, and yes I was right there with her, she was being so good and so gentle. She lost her balance at the same time the little one scooted right under her. It was a horrible fluke accident and I felt absolutely terrible :(
The little one's yolk sac and part of his/her intestines were pushed out of the vent. I immediately started looking up what could be done and/or if it was better to just cull it. I found several posts (both here and other forums) where people were able to use a q-tip with neosporin to push the intestines back inside, then place a bandage over it. I assessed the little chick and s/he was so spirited and vocal I decided to give it a try. I then placed her in a tiny box within the brooder (so she could be near and hear her litter mates, but couldn't be pecked on by them), and gave her sugar water and food. I'm amazed that she is still alive, and although seeming sore and a little weak, she responds immediately when I check on her and is walking around. I changed out the bandage (there was some poop on it) and the yolk sac is dried up and almost black in color. So my questions are: should I try to clip it off? Assuming that she continues to live, how long should I try to keep her isolated from the others?
