Is this an umbilical hernia?

[Abravenewworld]

Good morning all!

Apologies if I'm in the wrong forum/thread. I'm new here.

I'm also new to chickens and incubating/hatching.

I hatched my first chicks over the weekend and got 6 beautiful babies.

However, this morning, on checking them, I found this day old chick like this. I believe he's a cockerel/roo. I picked him out thinking he had the start of pasty butt and to clean it. But it's not. I'm thinking umbilical hernia??

Any advice? How can I help it? Should I prepare that he might die?

Please be gentle. I'm a complete newb and doing my absolute best.

 

[Eggcessive]

Yes that is it’s umbilicus. I would put some Betadine on it to help it dry out. Is is bleeding from pecking?

 

[Abravenewworld]

Yes that is it’s umbilicus. I would put some Betadine on it to help it dry out. Is is bleeding from pecking?

Thank you so much for your reply! It's not bleeding, it's dry. It has what looks like a small scab on it.

Should I still apply something or leave it alone?

Can he survive with this?

He's otherwise happy as Larry, eating, drinking, wandering around.

 

[Eggcessive]

It should be fine, but if there is a lot of swelling, there could be an umbilical infection or mushy chick disease. Is it acting normal, eating and drinking? I would put Betadine, alcohol, or chlorhexidene on the scab, but no ointment. You want it to dry out.

 

[Abravenewworld]

It should be fine, but if there is a lot of swelling, there could be an umbilical infection or mushy chick disease. Is it acting normal, eating and drinking? I would put Betadine, alcohol, or chlorhexidene on the scab, but no ointment. You want it to dry out.

Thank you. He's happy, wandering about, eating, drinking, pooing.

 

[Abravenewworld]

It should be fine, but if there is a lot of swelling, there could be an umbilical infection or mushy chick disease. Is it acting normal, eating and drinking? I would put Betadine, alcohol, or chlorhexidene on the scab, but no ointment. You want it to dry out.

Argh. I'm struggling to find anywhere in the UK where I can grab those products today.

We have something called Leucillin. Which is an anti-bacterial, antiviral and antifungal animal ointment. It's composition is: Water (H2O), Hypochlorous Acid, Sodium Salt (HOCL), Sodium Chloride (NaCl)

It says it's safe for chickens. Do you think that will do the same job?

 

[Abravenewworld]

I did a bit of research and Leucillin was deemed a safe alternative. This is it after just one application. Already looking less red/pink and less angry. The width of it hasn't changed dramatically but it's less swollen/deep and definitely looking even more dried up. It's hard to get a great photo to compare tbh.

 

[LaFleche]

It will take some time to heal and fall off, but as long as your chick is active, eating and drinking fine you don't need to take further action, just keep the brooder clean and dry.

 

[Eggcessive]

Leucillin would be fine to use. It is equivalent to most of our wound sprays in the US. Do you have surgical spirit or rubbing alcohol? Chlorhexidene is in many wound creams. Plain old soap and warm water are fine. You may be able to just leave it alone and let it dry.

 

[Abravenewworld]

Thanks everyone. Yeah the chick is eating and drinking and otherwise seems quite happy. I'll keep an eye on it. Now it's dry/scabbed I might leave it alone.