Chick problem--is this a hernia?

[LaurenRitz]

It was much larger when this baby came out of the egg. She's not walking yet, and should be by now.

If it is a hernia, can I fix it, or would it be better to cull? She's not crying, but also obviously not right either.

 

[MarlaMac]

Is it an unabsorb yolk sac (just below the vent) or is it from the vent?

@Wyorp Rock ? @Eggcessive ?

Here is some info on unabsorb yolk sacs

Keep the chick warm, clean, and isolated to prevent infection and pecking. Do not pull or cut the yolk sac, as it is connected to blood vessels and can cause fatal bleeding.

• For a small, intact sac: Place the chick in a clean, warm brooder or incubator with a damp paper towel or half an eggshell to keep the area moist and protect it. Let it absorb naturally—this can take 24–48 hours.
• For a dried or partially absorbed sac: Gently apply diluted povidone-iodine (Betadine®) or chlorhexidine to prevent infection. Avoid over-drying; keep the area slightly moist.
• If the sac is ruptured or leaking: Clean the area with a mild antiseptic and apply triple antibiotic ointment (Neosporin). Monitor for signs of infection (swelling, foul smell, lethargy).
• Support nutrition: Offer sugar water (1/4–1/2 cup sugar per gallon of water) to boost energy. Soften chick feed with water or mix in a little cooked egg yolk.
• Prevent complications: Isolate the chick from others to avoid pecking. Avoid letting it step on the sac, which can cause herniation.

Seek veterinary care if the chick becomes lethargic, shows signs of infection, or the sac continues to grow. In severe cases, antibiotics like amikacin or tobramycin may be needed.

Prognosis: Many chicks recover with proper care, especially if the sac is small and infection is prevented. However, large or ruptured sacs carry a higher risk of death.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

How is the chick doing?

I agree, it looks like an unabsorbed yolk sac.

When I've had a chick like that, I apply some ointment like Bacitracin or Triple Antibiotic ointment to the exposed tissue.
Then I place the chick in a paper towel lined cup (tea/coffee cup) and put them back in the bator (cup and chick).

The cup keeps the chick from dragging through hatching yitch, the tissue stays cleaner and the chick will continue to push with the legs hopefully strengthening them and gives time for the yolk sac to draw in, dry up, etc.
A chick in a cup will scream and chirp bloody murder, struggle and sleep.

 

[LaurenRitz]

When I pulled him for a check last night he had a piece of eggshell embedded in the yolk sac. He wasn't lifting his head and one leg was entirely immobile.

I left him in the incubator overnight, but he didn't make it.

Hopefully I'll never need it, but I'll keep your information for another time.

Thanks.

 

[MarlaMac]

So sorry.