Chick born with deformed face! Need help now!

[BlondieSoup]

Update?

 

[Dimondel]

Just to clarify, this isn't my chick, it's from a friend's farm I frequent and I should be back there in a couple hours. Owner might end up killing it but I'm just seeing if there's anyway I can rescue it, with the intent on adopting it if allowed. If there's something I can do that's acceptable with them and my family then I'll gladly give it as much love and attention as needed, but I need to see if it's better off putting it down, staying with it's mum, or staying with me before making a rash decision.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

Just to clarify, this isn't my chick, it's from a friend's farm I frequent and I should be back there in a couple hours. Owner might end up killing it but I'm just seeing if there's anyway I can rescue it, with the intent on adopting it if allowed. If there's something I can do that's acceptable with them and my family then I'll gladly give it as much love and attention as needed, but I need to see if it's better off putting it down, staying with it's mum, or staying with me before making a rash decision.

Has this been done to clean it's head yet?

Make a Saline rinse. Boil 4 cups of water to 2 teaspoons of salt. Let completely cool. Rinse the chick's head with that after completely cooled off.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Just to clarify, this isn't my chick, it's from a friend's farm I frequent and I should be back there in a couple hours. Owner might end up killing it but I'm just seeing if there's anyway I can rescue it, with the intent on adopting it if allowed. If there's something I can do that's acceptable with them and my family then I'll gladly give it as much love and attention as needed, but I need to see if it's better off putting it down, staying with it's mum, or staying with me before making a rash decision.

Imho, it's worth a shot. If looks like a pecking injury, and that can heal. The saline rinse will give you a better idea of what you're dealing with. You can still put it down later if it's really beyond help.

 

[Dimondel]

Has this been done to clean it's head yet?

Nope, I was told to leave it alone for now and see how it does. I’m not there at the moment unfortunately. So sorry, if it was with me I’d be doing it.

 

[Dimondel]

Imho, it's worth a shot. If looks like a pecking injury, and that can heal. The saline rinse will give you a better idea of what you're dealing with. You can still put it down later if it's really beyond help.

Okay, okay. Thank you.

 

[BlondieSoup]

Just to clarify, this isn't my chick, it's from a friend's farm I frequent and I should be back there in a couple hours. Owner might end up killing it but I'm just seeing if there's anyway I can rescue it, with the intent on adopting it if allowed. If there's something I can do that's acceptable with them and my family then I'll gladly give it as much love and attention as needed, but I need to see if it's better off putting it down, staying with it's mum, or staying with me before making a rash decision.

Gotcha. Well, whether or not the chick hatched that way, it seems very likely that the chick WILL be pecked by mama and/or flockmates for looking different. Pecking at exposed pink tissue is just something that chickens tend to do. That's one reason why injured birds often have to be separated from the flock until a wound is healed or covered. I would definitely move this chick to a brooder rather than keeping under a hen.
As far as whether the deformity is only superficial or more serious, I would watch carefully how the chick behaves. Does it act like a normal chick? Eat, drink, peep, poop, sleep regularly? I could see it taking a little longer to get its bearings if blind in one eye.
I'm by no means an expert. That's just the approach I would take. Maybe also kick start nutrition/hydration with some chick electrolytes or sugar water, but I would need to do more research about that (never had to do it before). Apart from that, make sure its kept warm, dry, hydrated (& butt de-pasted if need be) and safe from other chickens to give the little guy the best chance.

 

[Dimondel]

I’ve been told I shouldn’t do anything and I should leave it under the mother for both the chicken’s and my sake. I have not been permitted to treat or do anything for it. Just leave it be. If it’s suffering, the owner will put an end to it. I want to help it so badly, but I’ve recently had two traumatic deaths in my own flock, and the people around me don’t want me taking something that will end in heartbreak for me. I’m sorry there’s not much more I can do. I truly hope this chick survives and will be checking to see how it’s doing as much as possible.

Thank you for all your responses, support and feedback.I’m sorry I couldn’t do better.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I’ve been told I shouldn’t do anything and I should leave it under the mother for both the chicken’s and my sake. I have not been permitted to treat or do anything for it. Just leave it be. If it’s suffering, the owner will put an end to it. I want to help it so badly, but I’ve recently had two traumatic deaths in my own flock, and the people around me don’t want me taking something that will end in heartbreak for me. I’m sorry there’s not much more I can do. I truly hope this chick survives and will be checking to see how it’s doing as much as possible.

Thank you for all your responses, support and feedback.I’m sorry I couldn’t do better.

Don't apologize! You are AWESOME for offering to help! There's only so much you can do for a chick that isn't yours. Most folks wouldn't even give it a second thought. Obviously, you're good people.

 

[K0k0shka]

Most folks wouldn't even give it a second thought. Obviously, you're good people.

The implication that people who would cull a chick like this are "bad people" is condescending and insulting. There is a lot of compassion in culling, when a chick is seriously injured or in pain. There is no way this chick is NOT in pain, with this much raw meat and blood showing. Its deflated eyeball is literally out there sitting on top of its head, uncovered. Just think about how much that must hurt, and for how long, until it heals, if it ever heals properly. And the danger of further injury this chick is in from others pecking it. Sometimes, culling is the nicer thing to do, and dragging out its misery is the selfish thing to do, even though on the surface it appears nice and kind and "good people". Not everything can or should be saved. And the people who want to "save" at all costs aren't the only "good" ones. It's great that this person is trying to help, but you can commend them without putting down people who would've helped differently.