Growth or tumor on chick at hatch

[Dahlisgrams]

Has anyone seen this before on a newly hatched chick? My first thought was that it was the yolk sac but definitely isn't, upon close examination. It did not seem to be causing the chick any pain... I've hatched several hundred chicks but this is the first time I've had this occur. Anyone?

 

[PoultryGirly]

It looks like an unabsorbed yolk sack to me. Are you sure it isn't? Is it hard and lumpy or soft and squishy?

 

[SD Bird Lady]

I know nothing about hatching but to me it looks like a "twin" that stopped developing. A Siamese twin that didn't make it if you will.

 

[cmfarm]

I also think unabsorbed yolk.

 

[Fred's Hens]

I know nothing about hatching but to me it looks like a "twin" that stopped developing. A Siamese twin that didn't make it if you will.

Like a double yolker?

 

[Dahlisgrams]

It was definitely, 100% NOT an unabsorbed yolk. That was what I thought at first and left it in the hatcher for a while and kept an eye on it. Later after all the other chicks were long dry and it was the only one left, I examined it carefully. It was a firm mass attached directly to the body by a very short "stem" a little larger than 1/8" in diameter. The umbilical cord was in the normal place and the yolk was completely absorbed, leaving only a dried segment of cord that had nothing to do with the mass. The chick was also able to defecate normally. I tried to get photos that showed the connection to the body but did not have assistance and every photo taken was too blurry to see any detail whatsoever.

I also wonder if it was an undeveloped twin....

 

[SD Bird Lady]

Like a double yolker?

Ya, that is what I was thinking. The photo almost looks like the "mass" has an eye spot. I really don't have a clue that is just what it appears to me.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Unless someone who has seen this before and can identify it, I would go with double yolker. I've not heard that two chicks ever develop successfully. I cannot imagine there is room for two, regardless of how large the shell might be. Dunno.

 

[Dahlisgrams]

Unless someone who has seen this before and can identify it, I would go with double yolker. I've not heard that two chicks ever develop successfully. I cannot imagine there is room for two, regardless of how large the shell might be. Dunno.

The chick hatched from a good sized egg, so it's entirely possible that this is what happened. Thanks for the ideas, everyone.

 

[mommy3]

What ever happened? I have a chick that just hatched with this same thing-not quite as large. Was from a very large egg! Can you let me know what you did or if the chick made it? I am afraid to put it in the brooder for the chicks will surely peck it being as it is so red!