Chick blowing up like a ballon

[BLElford]

Hi All
I have a one week old chick who was totally fine until today I noticed it walking funny. Realized it’s whole body is distended from the crop, under the wing and down into the lower belly, primarily on the right side. This is causing leg to splay out. It isn’t squishy like liquid it feels like it is full of air.
No issues with pasty butt or signs of constipation. Umbilicus appeara completely fine. Is there anything I can do? It feels like this poor thing is about to burst. still up walking, alert, eating etc.

Has anyone dealt with this? Any insight would be appreciated. At this point I am assuming with age the outcome isn’t likely good, but if there is something I can safely do to release some pressure I will.

Thank you
Lisa

 

[BLElford]

Hi All
I have a one week old chick who was totally fine until today I noticed it walking funny. Realized it’s whole body is distended from the crop, under the wing and down into the lower belly, primarily on the right side. This is causing leg to splay out. It isn’t squishy like liquid it feels like it is full of air.
No issues with pasty butt or signs of constipation. Umbilicus appeara completely fine. Is there anything I can do? It feels like this poor thing is about to burst. still up walking, alert, eating etc.

Has anyone dealt with this? Any insight would be appreciated. At this point I am assuming with age the outcome isn’t likely good, but if there is something I can safely do to release some pressure I will.

Thank you
Lisa

UPDATE

almost immediately after posting this I found the exact video I was looking for. This matched the description of a ruptured air sack caused by injury, which explains why it came on so quickly.

I was able to locate an area under the wing, where there was no down and clear visibility of a large air bubble. After cleaning with alcohol wipe I used a small gauge needle and barely poked through the skin surface. The chick deflated instantly!! Like before I was even sure I actually had the needle inserted. (If you don’t have a small gauge needle a small sewing needle or pin should do the trick). I cleaned the area again well and have put chick back in the brooder. It definitely seems a bit wobbly on that side but I will post a (hopefully positive) update tomorrow.

 

[Appalachickens]

So glad you found a solution!

 

[BLElford]

So glad you found a solution!

Me too! Fingers crossed this little babe is just fine. I can’t get over how much it was blown up and instantly deflated.