I just noticed that one of my 2 week old chicks is missing feathers around the Cloaca and it looks like the belly may be swollen. Water Belly?

[BrandySellars]

 

[Eggcessive]

Are all of the chicks the same age? How much room do they have? Is the chick alert, eating and drinking? Have you seen any pasty butt? Are the others pulling out her feathers?

 

[BrandySellars]

I have 4 chicks that are 2 weeks old in a brooder that I made from a 50 gallon plastic tote. I raised 4 others in the same brooder previously and did not have any issues. 3 of the 4 (including this one) had pasty butt when I brought them home. Had to clear it for first 4 days but haven't had a problem since. Chick is active, alert, eating and drinking. I've seen a little bit of peccking, but no feather pulling.

 

[BrandySellars]

I have 4 chicks that are 2 weeks old in a brooder that I made from a 50 gallon plastic tote. I raised 4 others in the same brooder previously and did not have any issues. 3 of the 4 (including this one) had pasty butt when I brought them home. Had to clear it for first 4 days but haven't had a problem since. Chick is active, alert, eating and drinking. I've seen a little bit of peccking, but no feather pulling.

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC by the way. I would watch for any feather picking, and note what the poop looks like. It might be constipated or just looks enlarged due to the missing feathers. A little coconut oil, or a few drops of olive oil or molasses can be offered to help it poop if needed.

 

[D13]

What I would look for is tightness. If the belly is tight, it may be a problem. If it's squishy, it should be fine. If the chick is exhibiting normal behavior then it's probably fine too; I've had chickens with water belly before and they go super lethargic.