Four-week-old Ameraucana chick with swollen abdomen

[KKatknap]

I have a 4-wk-old true Ameraucana chick with a swollen abdomen. I noticed it looked swollen a few days ago, but he has been eating/drinking/pooping, so I thought he would just "outgrow" whatever it was. He has always been a little more "laid back" than the rest of the chicks (all Ameraucanas) - active and moving around, but never excitable. I was watching him today, and I've decided he lays down more than the rest. His vent is also swollen now.

I have searched here, but all of the "swollen abdomen" chicks are attributed to a problem with cornishx chicks...and he isn't. I haven't seen any actual instructions for dealing with this. Is there a reason he has this problem, and is there something I can give him for it?

He gets medicated chick starter (Start n Grow). They have water (although they occasionally tip it over - I check every few hours to clean shavings out and make sure it's upright).

 

[haleyh-LHP]

Does he have poop stuck over his hole? Because if so, that would be the backup of the poop that cant escape

 

[KKatknap]

Thanks for answering.

No - he's clear. It's just quite swollen, warm and soft. He's pooping fine...at least he did this morning.

 

[haleyh-LHP]

Don't get too worried yet, I'd give it some time, see what happens. I've seen them with swollen abdomens before, and it usually just works its self out and they'll be fine. Good luck

 

[KKatknap]

Thanks

That's what I'm kind of hoping for. I've started back on the OACV in the water...I read elsewhere that upping the acidity in their food might help, so I thought that wouldn't hurt. I also read it can be a sign of congestive heart failure. Kinda hoping that's not the case.

I'm pretty sure he's a roo, and I hadn't planned on keeping a white roo, but he's so stinkin' sweet and friendly that I figured I'd let him hang out with the non-breeder girls. So I hope he'll be ok.

ETA - Your avatar is about the cutest one I've seen btw.