Is omphalitis contagious?

[Ttedoldi]

I have 4 healthy chicks that hatched from an incubator 4 days ago. Another hatched a day later with a swollen belly, red naval and splayed leg. I have kept her separate from the others and have been hand feeding her water since she doesn't seem interested in doing it for herself. Her leg is now cured and I think she's generally getting better and I feel she could do with some company and to learn from the other chicks on how to feed and drink for herself. I'm worried that she may infect the other chicks though and can't seem to find a straight answer on the internet on whether or not she is still infectious - or even if omphalitis is contagious. Can anyone help me out? Thank you!

 

[Eggcessive]

Merck veterinary manual says that it is not contagious if the navel is dried up. Omphalitis or mushy chick disease is caused by bacteria, such as E.coli, pseudomonas, and others from incubators or contaminated eggs, which causes a swollen belly and open navel. They usually die with the first week or two. If she is eating and drinking normally, she may have a chance to survive.

 

[Ttedoldi]

Thank you! She's started eating by herself so fingers crossed...

 

[Eggcessive]

Good luck. You may want to put a drop of betadine or alcohol on her navel daily to make sure it dries up. Chicks will readily eat some raw egg, and you could put a small dab of plain yogurt in it a couple of times a week as well for some probiotics.