Chick with no nostrils

[Sparrowsong98]

Yogurt is a good idea penny1960 thank you! Sparrowsong that is so sad, I'm sorry.

As harsh as this sounds, I never put any faith in the chick, and spent most of my time wrestling with the question, should I put it down? It always seemed to be squeaking out those pain and terror peeps, not the normal little happy ones, and it did it all the time. I was not surprised, nor very sad, when I found it.

 

[azygous]

This may sound extreme, but any chance a vet could take a tiny drill, like a dental drill, and create a nostril on one side and/ or enlarge the other?? The problem with birth defects like that, they almost always come in multiples, so she could also have birth defects in her heart, lungs, etc. You already mentioned short legs which might be another defect...good luck and keep us posted. I am rooting for your "special needs" chicken!

While the idea of drilling a nare into the beak is creative, it probably would induce a lot of bleeding that would be hard to impossible to stop. The beak is full of blood vessels. It's not the solid cutaneous thing that it appears. I wouldn't try it. I would hope a vet would know not to try it unless they think that any bleeding could be cauterized. Already this operation sounds expensive if not risky.

 

[yadaguhtoo]

While the idea of drilling a nare into the beak is creative, it probably would induce a lot of bleeding that would be hard to impossible to stop. The beak is full of blood vessels. It's not the solid cutaneous thing that it appears. I wouldn't try it. I would hope a vet would know not to try it unless they think that any bleeding could be cauterized. Already this operation sounds expensive if not risky.

Yes I agree, and to traumatic. I have had her out more today and even though she has disabilities she seems quite content. She eats and drinks and poos normal and makes little cooing noises while sitting on my lap. I think it is just a wait and see type of thing. I gave her a cherry tomato today and she pecked at that, then I gave her a very small piece of cheese and she devoured that.

 

[MontanaChickDoc]

True, it's a risk to reward consideration. If she looks like she can get along OK, then leave her be. It's not as if she's expected to run marathons I had a blind rooster that got along just fine in an enclosed run with a couple of buddies for company. FWIW I wasn't recommending drilling a hold straight through the beak and into the choana (that would be messy), just widening the hole that she already has, and perhaps exploring for an imperforate nostril on the other side. It's possible the air passage is there, just without a nostril open to the surface. BUT I agree, more risk and expense than it's worth, more than likely.

 

[yadaguhtoo]

Just thought I would do a little update. This is Smidge today! He/she (what do you think?) is starting to thrive now, has grown some, has a good appetite, and loves outside time. He/she doesn't seem to be affected with any breathing problems and balance/walking is getting better!

 

[azygous]

Thanks for the update! Smidge looks amazing!