~LEAKING NEWBORN CHICK~PLEASE HELP~

[flamingauburnmustang]

Hey.

My one of my hens eggs have just hatched, her first egg, and when I checked on the chick, it had this long gooey thing coming from it's butt. My hen started pecking at it and pulled it out, then this dark brown liquid started rushing out.

It's been a few hours now, and it's still leaking some fluid.

The chick is less than one day old, and walks a little bit, but it lies on it's belly most of the time.

My hen hasn't killed it yet.

Please tell me what's going on! I'm very worried! I'm new to handling chicks, so I don't know if it's going to be alright.

Any help will be dearly appreciated.

Thanks!

Maxi.

 

[katrinag]

Sound like she picked the umbilical cord. If you have some iodine I would take a cotton swab and dab the spot to prevent infection.

Is she a new mommy? Meanig has she ever cared for chicks before?

 

[flamingauburnmustang]

Okay. Thanks. I will try that.

Yes, this is her first time with hatching chicks. She is very protective over the chick.

She also has three other eggs that she's laying on.

What do you suggest I feed the chick?

Thanks.

 

[Chickenfortress]

Try starter crumbles or mash and water with a bit of vitamins (poly-vi-sol) in it. If you wet the crumbles to make a mash, don't use too much water. They like soft, but not sticky or soupy.

 

[flamingauburnmustang]

Thank you. I will try that.

I appreciate the help.

Thanks.

Maxi.

 

[Mahonri]

Sugar water for the chick the first three days... and starter mash.

 

[flamingauburnmustang]

I will try that as well.

Is starter mash not harmful to the chicks? I only raise chickens for pleasure. I want them to have a steady and quality growth.

Thanks.

Maxi.

 

[silkiechicken]

Since they aren't shipped, and are with mom, you might not want to sugar water as they won't need the boost from shipping stress and sugar can lead to runny poo's. I wouldn't worry too much for now. Good luck!

 

[flamingauburnmustang]

Okay. I will try not to worry too much.

I suppose only time wil tell. I suppose it won't be good if you pick it up to check on it? Or must I rather let the hen take care of things from here on?

Thanks for the help.

Maxi.

 

[silkiechicken]

Just let momma take care of things. Make sure food and water are in reach for the chicks, and she should get up and show them the ropes in the next few days. Start to worry in about 72 hours if she has not gotten up.