Air bubble on newborn chicks neck, accidentally popped it

[SunriseChickers]

Well maybe it is getting enough water on its own but I'm trying to be safe, but it hasn't gone over for food whatsoever from what I can tell

I know it's air because it feels like air, and I can look inside and see there's just nothing there at all

Birds typically don't need to eat at all for 1-3 days after they hatch. That's why it's safe to ship day old chicks without food! You may be giving it a bit too much. I wouldn't expect it to try and eat for a day or two. It will not starve, the yolk is designed to sustain it for a long while after absorption. Are its toes fixed into the curled position, or are they flexible? Can you straighten them with very little force?

ETA: The yolk thing goes for hydration, too. They don't absolutely need food OR water those first couple of days.

 

[le_bwah]

Well maybe it is getting enough water on its own but I'm trying to be safe, but it hasn't gone over for food whatsoever from what I can tell

I know it's air because it feels like air, and I can look inside and see there's just nothing there at all

Hmm. I would stop watering them like that right away. You're more likely to make them aspirate force-watering them like that—aspiration is usually deadly since birds can't cough due to their respiratory anatomy.

I can tell you really want them to live and do well, but for now they (and you) might be better off with a "wait and watch" policy. Keep them warm, keep food and safe water near, and see how it goes.

Maybe they'll rally and perk up—I hope they do! But if they look like they're ready to give up, sometimes it's kinder to let them.

 

[FarmerGirl101]

I know it's air because it feels like air, and I can look inside and see there's just nothing there at all

When they are young, the crop is translucent and can look empty. It is also more movable than an adult bird's crop. It might look empty too even if it isn't. The crop will feel like air because it can be filled with air. 99% of the time an air bubble on a chick is in fact their crop. Now, a 1 day old chick does not need to eat food since it is still living off of their yolk. It is normal for them to not eat or drink for the first few days. Therefore the crop will be empty and filled with air. This is perfectly normal.

 

[gummylick]

Think dry and warm as a priority. Set in warm area with dry floor to absorb poop. That floor can be like wood shavings or even paper towels or a puppy pad. Water and food in small dishes with something in the water like rocks or marbles to prevent it from drowning. Check that the water doesn't get anything too wet and fix if so. And as hard as it is - once you have this set up, leave him be to dry out and walk around and get it's feet right. Attached is a photo of 2 day old chicks. They are hardy birds.