3 day old Bantam chick swollen vent- mushy chick?

[TattooedChicks]

Yesterday pre neosporin treatment, damp bum from cleaning
Today with greasy feathers


My very small Japanese bantam chick had a small umbilical scab, I noticed on Saturday after purchasing, which has fallen off but now I'm concerned about its vent and lower abodomen which seem swollen and distended. The chick eats, drinks, and sleeps like all the others, even pecks at them to get to the food faster. I haven't observed a poop yet, though I'm not there watching all the time. I treated the scab once with triple antibiotic ointment and fed the group some scrambled egg bits as a boost. They have ACV in the water and have been getting wetter chick starter as well.

I know there isn't much I can do if this is a mushy chick in the making, but I'd take any advice I can get or a positive identification so I can prepare to medicate or euthanize.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Yes, that is omphalitis, or squishy chick syndrome.

It comes from a naval that was too slow to close or conditions that allowed bacteria to enter into the naval.

Antibiotics, such as Tylan or Duramycin (if you can get your hands on some) are in order.
I've also saved them with Sulmet (sulphur drug).

If you have some antibiotics around, a good course often does the trick, especially if the chick is moving and eating/drinking. That shows the infection has completely overtaken it...but it almost assuredly will in time unless intervention occurs.

LofMc

 

[TattooedChicks]

Yes, that is omphalitis, or squishy chick syndrome.

It comes from a naval that was too slow to close or conditions that allowed bacteria to enter into the naval.

Antibiotics, such as Tylan or Duramycin (if you can get your hands on some) are in order.
I've also saved them with Sulmet (sulphur drug).

If you have some antibiotics around, a good course often does the trick, especially if the chick is moving and eating/drinking. That shows the infection has completely overtaken it...but it almost assuredly will in time unless intervention occurs.

LofMc

I could try to get in touch with a vet tomorrow but I think all I have on me now are unfinished people antibiotics.

 

[TattooedChicks]

The chick is still alive as of this morning, and the abdomen isn't as soft and mushy, instead there's a small semi firm mass. I decided last night it was worth trying the antibiotics I had by crushing them and dissolving in water, then giving the chick one drop in its beak.

 

[TattooedChicks]

Perhaps my Hail Mary drug is working. Two doses in and another scrambled egg, this chick pooped in front of me for the first time and appears to be less swollen. Still eats with abandon and runs like hell when I come to check in. I will continue to dose for a few days and keep my fingers crossed for continued progress.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

She is looking much better.

Sometimes you gotta do what ya gotta do.

Glad it is working for you.

LofMc

 

[TattooedChicks]

She is looking much better.

Sometimes you gotta do what ya gotta do.

Glad it is working for you.

LofMc

Thank you for your insight and support!

 

[TattooedChicks]

Sad news. The chick was bright and shining this morning when I did my last check before work, but she just passed away in my spouse's hands after he found her flopped over in the brooder. He barely had time to get her inside to mix sugar water and she was gone. We gave it our all, but I'm at peace knowing she won't suffer anymore. The poor thing has earned her place by my crabapple tree in the garden.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Sorry to hear of the loss.

Omphalitis can be a silent killer. It is the number one reason for death in young chicks.

You did all you could. Glad she no longer suffers.

LofMc

 

[TattooedChicks]

Sorry to hear of the loss.

Omphalitis can be a silent killer. It is the number one reason for death in young chicks.

You did all you could. Glad she no longer suffers.

LofMc

Hold the presses! The sick chick is still alive! It was another buff jap my spouse mistook for the mushy chick. Not sure why it died, but this is an odd turn of events!