HELP NEEDED: Young chicken has swollen abdomen! Ruptured air sack(s) likely!

[MelissaRose]

We have had a few threads where people have not had to do anything, and the air was reabsorbed by the body within a few days. But one lady from Washington State Whidbey Island had a pullet literally blow up all over right before her eyes, and died. It all depends on how bad the injury was, and if it continues getting larger.

Ok, good to know. I'll watch it and if it gets any larger, poke a hole in it.

 

[MelissaRose]

The chick is still just as swollen. If it is going to heal on its own, when do you think I will know that? Is it going to get worse before it gets better?

 

[Eggcessive]

It is hard to know. If you are very nervous about it, you could try to reduce it with a needle, but it would take a couple of days probably to notice that is has disappeared. I haven’t treated one that went away on it’s own.

 

[MelissaRose]

It is hard to know. If you are very nervous about it, you could try to reduce it with a needle, but it would take a couple of days probably to notice that is has disappeared. I haven’t treated one that went away on it’s own.

Ok. I think I'll watch it at least for today and tomorrow if its worse or has not improved, think about poking a hole.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Good luck!!! Scary situation... I also hope your others show up.

 

[Henriettamom919]

I'm sorry @MelissaRose , one of my pullets went missing while we were talking earlier and I had to go lock up my big girls (which since they free roam is a chore in itself) and hunt our bushy, berry bramble covered acre looking for one bird the size of a mango

Of COURSE it was our tiny peep who is a blue Andalusian and blends in with everything dark and shadowy!

How is your baby!? Looks like the chicken gurus weighed in with great advice! I would wait at LEAST 24 hours if his eating, drinking and breathing are all stable. It'll take awhile for the air to be absorbed.

Are you hanging in there? You're doing a great job, this is scary stuff the first (and second...third) time!

 

[MelissaRose]

I'm sorry @MelissaRose , one of my pullets went missing while we were talking earlier and I had to go lock up my big girls (which since they free roam is a chore in itself) and hunt our bushy, berry bramble covered acre looking for one bird the size of a mango

Of COURSE it was our tiny peep who is a blue Andalusian and blends in with everything dark and shadowy!

How is your baby!? Looks like the chicken gurus weighed in with great advice! I would wait at LEAST 24 hours if his eating, drinking and breathing are all stable. It'll take awhile for the air to be absorbed.

Are you hanging in there? You're doing a great job, this is scary stuff the first (and second...third) time!

Thats ok! I understand. He seems ok. I put him in the coop they were sharing with another broody, and she doesn't mind him. Lets him come and eat food when she finds it for her chick and leaves him alone otherwise. He has been sitting around not doing much but his swelling has not gotten worse.
Thanks, I guess I'm doing an ok job. I like to do the best I can for my chickens.

 

[MelissaRose]

Good luck!!! Scary situation... I also hope your others show up.

Thanks, I hope they show up too. I kinda don't think their going to but, you never know, They might.

 

[AmyJane725]

Does the air bubble thing make rice krispie noises if you palpate it?

 

[Henriettamom919]

Thats ok! I understand. He seems ok. I put him in the coop they were sharing with another broody, and she doesn't mind him. Lets him come and eat food when she finds it for her chick and leaves him alone otherwise. He has been sitting around not doing much but his swelling has not gotten worse.
Thanks, I guess I'm doing an ok job. I like to do the best I can for my chickens.

These are all good signs! Having a desire to eat, move around and be with others is about the best you can hope for after an injury!

You're doing a great job caring for your chicken babies! Wanting them to be happy and well is the best anyone can do; just take the rest a day at a time!