7 week old chick has a very swollen neck and head. Does anybody know why?

[Samantha Whitman]

I am a new member here and thanks for letting me join. I have a 7 week old Silver Laced Wyandotte and a little over a day ago I noticed that its neck was swollen and so I seperated it and thought it could be an impacted crop or sour crop but her chest, neck and now the head is swollen and squishy like a big balloon. I also thought it might be some type of bug bite as i had her out a couple of days ago. It seems to be swelling up very fast but the chick is still alert and it's eating and drinking fine. The first two pictures are from a day and a half ago and the others are from today.

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC!
I am pretty sure this is not a bug bite, but I do not have a good answer for you, sit tight someone will be along soon that may have advice for you.



@casportpony Seen this before?

 

[casportpony]

@Samantha Whitman , I think your chick might have this:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/subcutaneous-emphysema-pictures-added.828000/

 

[Samantha Whitman]

Thank you. That is definitely what it was. chick is doing better now

 

[casportpony]

Thank you. That is definitely what it was. chick is doing better now

Thanks for the update!

 

[Kiki]

Can you share what you actually did to help this chick?