Concussion!

[kluckykatie]

A measuring tape was dropped on one of our three week old chicks! It seemed to seize for a moment, then went totally limp. We thought it was dead, then realized it was still breathing. Thinking it may be suffering, we debated putting the poor thing out of its misery, then decided it may just have a concussion and it passed out. Maybe it can recover? We examined and there is blood coming from the ears, and the eyes are bloodshot. We currently have it in a quiet, dark area and are monitoring it. it keeps trying to get up and move, but is still mostly limp. i feel like that is a bit promising and am glad we decided to wait it out, but I still feel like the poor thing could be suffering. It's not opening eyes or anything. Is there anything we can do?? We cannot justify the cost of a vet right now. We were maybe considering a epsom poultice for swelling..... but we also don't want to disturb it unnecessarily. Anyone ever deal with a concussion? Any advice/insight would be appreciated.

 

[Lauren Kim]

poor chick... this made me want to cry. I have no solutions oops

 

[kluckykatie]

Me too. We didn't even realize it had landed on the chick, my poor kids noticed it seizing. We are all on edge here. :'(

 

[chickens really]

Brain damage and possible brain bleed...So sorry but cull it so it won't suffer....So sad...

 

[PirateGirl]

Unfortunately blood from the ears is a really bad sign. When the cause is head trauma and fluid comes from the ears, person or animal, it actually is likely the cerebral fluid from around the brain and not blood. There is serious trauma to the brain. Even if the chick can recover, I would not expect any sort of good quality of life or normal development. I'm sorry, but I agree with @chickens really on this one

 

[RacehorsesRock]

I agree, if the animal is in this much pain, it's better to end it's pain. Poor guy

 

[hereorthere]

Unfortunately blood from the ears is a really bad sign. When the cause is head trauma and fluid comes from the ears, person or animal, it actually is likely the cerebral fluid from around the brain and not blood. There is serious trauma to the brain. Even if the chick can recover, I would not expect any sort of good quality of life or normal development. I'm sorry, but I agree with @chickens really on this one

x2. Would be best to cull the little one quickly.....best way to do it would be baking soda with vinegar poured into those plastic yogurt tubs. Quickly depletes the air. I'm sorry....it is heart wrenching.

 

[LoveChooks9000]

I agree with everyone above. Bleeding from the ears indicates a lot worse injury than just concussion. Keeping it alive will only prolong it's suffering.
If you want confirmation that it won't survive, you can call a vet and double check.

 

[Smuvers Farm]

x2. Would be best to cull the little one quickly.....best way to do it would be baking soda with vinegar poured into those plastic yogurt tubs. Quickly depletes the air. I'm sorry....it is heart wrenching.

I was made aware that this is not a good way to put a chick down, as it deprives them of oxygen so they end up gasping for air until they are *smothered*. Starter fluid (ether) is more humane. @duluthralphie has an article about it.

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

Poor baby, Hiw is she know?Bleeding from the ears is NOT a good sign.