SheenaBee
Chirping
- Jan 12, 2018
- 49
- 70
- 75
Good morning all,
I have an issue with a little Silkie chick that is about a week old. It has seemed weak and lethargic since hatch and still hasn’t really improved.
Symptoms:
- vent is protruding slightly
- appears to have difficulty swallowing when given fluids from a dropper
- does not have any desire to eat
- a small pea sized hard mass inside its belly (further up, not the navel)
- is not pooping normally, nothing solid. Just the smallest amount of brown ‘gel’ and white urates.
- sleeps almost constantly and seems to seek out the highest heat
- has not been gaining weight or getting bigger
- during its brief wake periods, it still looks ‘bright eyed’
Things I’ve tried/checked:
- Temperature in brooder is fine
- Does not have pasty butt
- Has been given some vitamins/electrolytes daily
- Have tried offering cooked egg, will only take a couple of the smallest crumbs
- Navel is healed
- No other signs of illness in the other 24 chicks
I almost wonder if it’s some sort of obstruction. The little ‘mass’ in its belly is right before the rib cage, partially underneath - it’s about the size of a big pea. I’ve never really had reason to palpate a chicks abdomen as thoroughly, so I’m not completely sure if it’s normal... however, I have checked a couple other healthy chicks and do not feel the same mass.
I’ve attached a pic of it’s vent, please ignore the gnarly looking nails, I had just gotten off work. I have not tried using preparation H on it, as it’s New Years and it would be a hour trip to town if anything was even open today.
I have an issue with a little Silkie chick that is about a week old. It has seemed weak and lethargic since hatch and still hasn’t really improved.
Symptoms:
- vent is protruding slightly
- appears to have difficulty swallowing when given fluids from a dropper
- does not have any desire to eat
- a small pea sized hard mass inside its belly (further up, not the navel)
- is not pooping normally, nothing solid. Just the smallest amount of brown ‘gel’ and white urates.
- sleeps almost constantly and seems to seek out the highest heat
- has not been gaining weight or getting bigger
- during its brief wake periods, it still looks ‘bright eyed’
Things I’ve tried/checked:
- Temperature in brooder is fine
- Does not have pasty butt
- Has been given some vitamins/electrolytes daily
- Have tried offering cooked egg, will only take a couple of the smallest crumbs
- Navel is healed
- No other signs of illness in the other 24 chicks
I almost wonder if it’s some sort of obstruction. The little ‘mass’ in its belly is right before the rib cage, partially underneath - it’s about the size of a big pea. I’ve never really had reason to palpate a chicks abdomen as thoroughly, so I’m not completely sure if it’s normal... however, I have checked a couple other healthy chicks and do not feel the same mass.
I’ve attached a pic of it’s vent, please ignore the gnarly looking nails, I had just gotten off work. I have not tried using preparation H on it, as it’s New Years and it would be a hour trip to town if anything was even open today.
Sorry your chick didn't make it 
