Chick still alive 3 days after cutting off yolk sac and stuffing intestines

[Loveoursilkies]

We can't believe it, but we went out on Sunday and found a chick that had tried to hatch (a day before we thought). Other chickens apparently pecked at the egg, causing it to come out before it should, leaving the yolk sac hanging. The sac had mulch attached to it, so it couldn't absorb it. We cleaned off the mulch, it still wouldn't absorb it hours later, even keeping it on a wet towel. While watching it, the yolk sac started coming out further, the chick moved around, it pulled part of the intestine (1/2 inch to 1 inch). The yolk started to dry, was sticky, we were going to cull, then, 1 last ditch effort, we tied a piece of dental floss around the "umbilical" like piece that attached the yolk sac to the intestine, and sac off on the side of the floss away from the chick. Then, we took a wet Qtip and "stuffed" the intestine back in. That was a challenge with such a tiny hole. The hold closed up within 1 hour. I gave the chick 2% chance at survival. Low and behold, the sweet thing is running around, eating and drinking like crazy 3 days later, after not appearing well for about 24 hours after "the procedure". I've only seen it poop once, haven't been able to catch it (it is with 2 other little chicks). If it can poop, I'll give it like 90% chance now. It looks great. Amazing, but, so far, it is proof it can be done, although I'm sure not with huge success. We were within 30 seconds of culling this little one. It is 100% silkie or silkie mixed with lavender Ameraucana. It is gray, cute. I don't get on here much, but had to post this. I saw another person on here, so it gave us hope.

 

[chicks are me]

aww! it's the miracles like that that make chickens so worth it!

 

[Loveoursilkies]

still doing great today. We continue to give food mixed in a little water, twice a day, it eats like crazy

 

[KrazyChromatics]

i had imn my last hatch a chick that hatched before fully absorbing its yolk, lived for a about a week, poor guy never fluffed out, then i had another who i think my cat got, had a wound in its side with intestines hanging out so i cleaned it up stuffed everything back in and packed the wound over with gauze and ointment, he did well for a little while, but he couldnt poo on his own so i had to help several times a day but eventually the stress must have been too much :/

 

[El Paso Linda]

This my first experience with a chick expelling its guts. I saw long ropes of guts along with what could be a yolk sack. But it broke off and there was a lot of blood. I pushed the small intestines left hanging out back inside and put antibacterial ointment over the vent area. I wrapped the chick in clean paper towels and am holding it in my hand for warmth. It is sleeping and occasionally moves around. I will give it liquid soon.