Emergency! Intestines or yolk sac?? Please help!!

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

I'm still shocked he made it through the night. Does this change anyone's opinion about the mass being intestines vs yolk sac?

I thought it looked like both intestines and yolk sac too, but either way, the fact it is being absorbed is a very good thing. The fact it was able to poop is also great. I wouldn't be concerned about the chick eating yet, since it's been less than 12 hours since you found it. Maybe dip it's beak in water later today, but it doesn't need to drink yet either. Sounds like it's doing exactly what it needs to, which is sleep, rest and recover.

Should I try to remove this thing by tying a string and cutting it?

Is the mostly dried-up mass connected to the inside the chick's vent? As far as Vetericyn spray, you can buy it at any feed store including Tractor Supply. It's good to have it in your chicken medicine cabinet for all types of injuries, but triple antibiotic ointment works well too.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

Best I can tell is a large snake tried to eat her babies. There were only 2 she was sitting on. She must've fought back and gotten killed.

I've read second-hand reports of snakes strangling a broody because she tried to defend her eggs, but yours is the first time I've heard it directly. So scary and sad. On the predator forum, I've read where people questioned why a broody would remain calm and do nothing while a snake eats her eggs directly from underneath her. Your thread is a sad example of what can happen if a broody reacts.

 

[Katakornchicks]

I've read second-hand reports of snakes strangling a broody because she tried to defend her eggs, but yours is the first time I've heard it directly. So scary and sad. On the predator forum, I've read where people questioned why a broody would remain calm and do nothing while a snake eats her eggs directly from underneath her. Your thread is a sad example of what can happen if a broody reacts.

Yeah it is really sad. I raised her from a chick too. I loved her terribly. I had another broody in the past week had her eggs eaten right out from under her. But she apparently didn't fight back so she was ok.

 

[Katakornchicks]

I thought it looked like both intestines and yolk sac too, but either way, the fact it is being absorbed is a very good thing. The fact it was able to poop is also great. I wouldn't be concerned about the chick eating yet, since it's been less than 12 hours since you found it. Maybe dip it's beak in water later today, but it doesn't need to drink yet either. Sounds like it's doing exactly what it needs to, which is sleep, rest and recover.

Is the mostly dried-up mass connected to the inside the chick's vent? As far as Vetericyn spray, you can buy it at any feed store including Tractor Supply. It's good to have it in your chicken medicine cabinet for all types of injuries, but triple antibiotic ointment works well too.
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Thank you. All of that makes me feel a lot better. And no, the dried up mass is connected to an unsealed belly button. It's vent is clear.

 

[Morrigan]

That's just horrible about the snake killing the broody. I can see why you wanted to try to save the little chick.

I'm glad your chick is doing OK so far. In terms of trying to remove what is coming out of the vent, I would not do so. It could result in bleeding and increase the chances of infection. If the chick is going to survive its hatch, any parts sticking out will dry up and fall off on their own.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

And no, the dried up mass is connected to an unsealed belly button. It's vent is clear.

So the mass is its umbilical cord? There seems to be mixed opinions as to whether to tie and cut an umbilical cord, or allow it to completely dry up and fall off on its own. Will tag @Eggcessive @azygous @Wyorp Rock to give you their thoughts.

 

[Katakornchicks]

That's just horrible about the snake killing the broody. I can see why you wanted to try to save the little chick.

I'm glad your chick is doing OK so far. In terms of trying to remove what is coming out of the vent, I would not do so. It could result in bleeding and increase the chances of infection. If the chick is going to survive its hatch, any parts sticking out will dry up and fall off on their own.

Ok. That sounds good. I was thinking about removing it because it looks nasty and I didnt want him to get infected FROM it, but your right. I think it's riskier removing it right now.

 

[Katakornchicks]

So the mass is its umbilical cord? There seems to be mixed opinions as to whether to tie and cut an umbilical cord, or allow it to completely dry up and fall off on its own. Will tag @Eggcessive @azygous @Wyorp Rock to give you their thoughts.

I'm still not sure what the mass is. I'm hoping it is just umbilical cord and not guts. But I can't tell. I feel like if it was the chicks guts, he would already be dead. It's been 24 hrs now since I found him and he seems weak but still stable.

 

[Eggcessive]

I don’t have much experience with yolk sacs or prolapsed intestines. But I would think it still could be intestines coming out of an umbilicus if it herniated. Time will tell, but I would try to get the chick to take some nutrition.

 

[Kiki]

I'm still not sure what the mass is. I'm hoping it is just umbilical cord and not guts. But I can't tell. I feel like if it was the chicks guts, he would already be dead. It's been 24 hrs now since I found him and he seems weak but still stable.

Can you upload a clear short video of him to YouTube real quick?