chick with no top skull

[Kiki]

Do you thinks it's the actual brain though

Can you get a few more pictures. Looking straight at it from the top?

 

[Barbs Girls]

With that much inflammation in the exposed tissues, it almost has to be brain. However...we can all say a prayer for the little one! If it is unable to walk, feed and drink, it would be best not to prolong its suffering.

 

[staceyj]

Honestly offering my opinion.
Neural tube defect occurred in early development.
It probably occurs at some frequency but the chick usually expires long before hatching.
Did you happen to worm or otherwise medicate your flock recently?
I ask because in humans, some neural tube defects occur randomly and others can be because of a medication the mother takes.

In cases of human anencephaly the skull can be incomplete and what brain matter is present can be outside or oozing through an imperfection of the skull.

The dilemma isn’t so much what to cover it with.

The brain is most probably leaking cerebral spinal fluid and will be vulnerable to infection inevitably.

Depending on what parts of the brain are present or missing, this condition may be very painful if there is intercranial pressure. (or the chick may not be able to feel it)

I’ve seen infants in the nicu with this condition. Those with little brain matter or only primal brain stem function seem to not be in pain. Those with more brain, cry and show discomfort.

I’d euthanize it. And I’m a soft hearted crybaby.

 

[Tesumph]

That is it’s brain. I agree, this is definitely a neural tube birth defect. There is nothing you could’ve done and you are correct that the brain would not normally look like that.
I would euthanize it asap in case it is suffering, it will not last long either way. I’m so very sorry.

 

[staceyj]

Adding on here rather than going back and editing.
Neural tube defects can also be a result in a LACK of folic acid in humans.

 

[Nellydog]

That is it’s brain. I agree, this is definitely a neural tube birth defect. There is nothing you could’ve done and you are correct that the brain would not normally look like that.
I would euthanize it asap in case it is suffering, it will not last long either way. I’m so very sorry.

I'm honestly stuck at a cross road It doesn't show signs of suffering from what I know but idk

 

[WVduckchick]

I tend to agree that euthanasia is probably the kindest thing to do. But the scientist in me is curious of how long it will survive on its own. And if it will get any function at all. I’ve seen chicks get pecked to death by hens, and I’ve even had to put some down that have been close. I honestly don’t think they feel much pain. Maybe I’m somewhat heartless. But I think it will die on its own, or you will know in your heart when the time has come.

 

[staceyj]

I'm honestly stuck at a cross road It doesn't show signs of suffering from what I know but idk

If you feel it’s not suffering you could keep it warm and comfortable for the night and reassess the situation in the morning.

 

[GenevieveHad]

I really thank you all for this information. It’s really hard to decide but I don’t think I can kill it. It cheeps and tries to walk around, but I don’t think that it can walk. I don’t want it to suffer but I’m also hopeful it could possibly be okay... my boyfriends best friend had a cat who lived until a coyote got it with exposed brain which eventually had skin grow over it... not sure if it was this much though. It’s started cheeping more and I don’t know if it means it’s hurting or if it wants to be with it’s other brothers and sisters. They’re all talking to each other. Definitely not going to put them together though. Should I try to take more pictures? Will that be helpful in determining if it’s anencephaly and it’s actually it’s brain?

 

[GenevieveHad]

StaceyJ thank you for the info... that was super helpful and informational. Was not trying to doubt your knowledge in the subject!