Bloated Chick - Really Scared - Please Help!

[Jmurcks]

Ok, I gave the molasses mixed with water and he drank about 5 or 6 sips.

If it matters, he is mainly bloated on the left side. It is both, but mostly the left.
If you guys think a picture will help I can take one.

Thanks!

 

[Jmurcks]

I have called and called and there are no chicken vets in our area...
Our neighbor is a horse vet and he laughed when I asked if he treated chickens. He said chickens are like disposable razors...

Might have been funnier if I didn't have a sick chick on my hands!

So I took some pictures of him...
He actually had a B.M. while I was taking the pictures and it was pretty well formed and looked normal...
See how he is standing and how bloated he is... poor little chick...

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

Hey,J how's your chickie today?

 

[Jmurcks]

Well, he is the same bloating wise but is eating, drinking and even playing with the other chicks!
I don't know what it could be but he did pass another stool last night so I almost want to rule out constipation.
I've just been watching him and hoping he gets better...

 

[TipsyDog]

Could he have developed a tumor? Very strange indeed.... Hope you're making progress with the little one!

 

[Jmurcks]

I thought it may be a tumor as well but the whole area (seems to be the left side mainly) is really squishy. There isn't a bit of hardness in there as much as I can feel.
I thought about getting a syringe and trying to draw the fluid out to see if that helps... just trying to get up the bravery to do it.
Also, I need my husband home to help and he has been working long hours this week.
I'll let you know what happens when I do so.

This morning he is still eating, drinking and chasing around the other chicks so he must not be in any pain. That or he is really brave!
It just breaks my heart because he is my "snuggler" and loves the petting!

Thanks everyone for trying to help, you have surely helped me more than any of the vets around here!
You guys are great!!

 

[perolane]

"He said chickens are like disposable razors... "

Makes you wonder why some choose animal medicine as a profession. I've worked with some really great ones that had compassion for ALL animals...and then there were a few that were just a....well, I'll just stop there

Keep an eye on the little guy...it may just be a fluid filled cyst of some kind that his body will gradually absorb. I wouldn't try to drain it in any way unless it got really big. Even with a syringe, you could introduce bacteria.

 

[Jmurcks]

My dog and cat vet is the best there is - she is great!! I just wish she did the chickens, too.
I figured being a large animal vet he might know some on chickens, esp. because his wife keeps chickens, but I guess not!

I'll put off drawing out fluid, which is somewhat as a relief! I was dreading doing so.

I emailed the state vet so maybe he will let me know if he has ever heard of this before.
I googled it and found nothing about bloated chicks... I'm at a loss on this one!

 

[Friend@animals]

Was your chicken vaccinated for Mareks? Mareks can cause tumors . It's a virus but you can treat with antibiotics to increase immunity while the little one is sick . Don't aspirate the tumor. Make sure to wash hands and keep the little one away from your others for a few weeks it's highly contagious.
Good Luck to you and your little one

 

[chickerdoodle]

Friend@animals :

Was your chicken vaccinated for Mareks? Mareks can cause tumors . It's a virus but you can treat with antibiotics to increase immunity while the little one is sick . Don't aspirate the tumor. Make sure to wash hands and keep the little one away from your others for a few weeks it's highly contagious.
Good Luck to you and your little one

I doubt its any type of tumor at this age--they take some time to grow and Mareks Disease (tumor or any form) tends to appear in older pullets or cockerels--not chicks this young.

It could be a cyst but it also could be an injury. Any marks or possible puncture on his little body? If it were an abscess I would think he wouldn't be alive at this point as he is so young and small. Does gently massaging help--or does it hurt? Is the chick growing like his flock mates? I would give him a little hard cooked eggs and see if that is tolerated as its a nutritious food for him and maybe he is having digestive problems. Also put some sterile sand in the brooder (recommended by a holistic expert in chickens) in case the chick has trouble digesting the food. It won't hurt if they eat some--just not too much.

Keep us posted on your fuzzy baby.​