Mild hernia

[Small Farmer Jane]

I have a chick I assisted in hatching with a mild hernia. Not sure how to proceed. Some history. I dropped the egg day 17 when I candles. The top shattered but no hole. It was suggested I cover with wax. I painted hot wax on all fissures. Day 23, last egg, I’m taking it to the trash and I hear internal chirping. Back in the incubator and 6 hours, no pip. I poke a hole and by miracle, it’s the beak. I chip a small area and back in to incubate. 4 hours- nothing. I chip a little more. It’s real dry. Warm water and a q tip. 6 hours later I’m assisting in the hatch since no movement. I could not break through wax. It has a small reddish area I assume from umbilicus. Do I isolate? Do I use an antibacterial? Seems fine. It’s now 16 hours old, eating and took water from a dropper. It hasn’t figured out the small water cup I have.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Welcome To BYC

Can you post a photo of the hernia?

 

[Small Farmer Jane]

Welcome To BYC

Can you post a photo of the hernia?

I sure tried but it’s fuzz is totally covering it. Maybe if I wet the chick but am hesitant to. It looked like a large hive or mosquito bite while wet. No skin break at all.
I haven’t had chickens in 40 years. I don’t recall seeing this. I am not a big fan of assisting but blamed myself for its predicament.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

OK, so it's not like an open navel. Nothing hanging out or oozing?

If it's closed and looks intact, the chick is eating and drinking, then I would leave it alone.
If you notice a lot of swelling or bloat (like fluid in the abdomen), a bad odor or if the abdomen becomes discolored (like purple or red) then there's cause for concern.

Without seeing it, I can't be completely sure, but from your description it sounds like you are just seeing a closed navel, which is ok. Sometimes there can be a small bump there for a day or so after hatch.

I don't like assisting either, but sometimes it's necessary
Hope all goes well for your little one, keep me posted.

 

[Small Farmer Jane]

Welcome To BYC

Can you post a photo of the hernia?

I can try after wetting if you think it’s necessary. I’m totally willing to save this chick.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I wouldn't wet her. Let's see how it goes.

 

[Small Farmer Jane]

OK, so it's not like an open navel. Nothing hanging out or oozing?

If it's closed and looks intact, the chick is eating and drinking, then I would leave it alone.
If you notice a lot of swelling or bloat (like fluid in the abdomen), a bad odor or if the abdomen becomes discolored (like purple or red) then there's cause for concern.

Without seeing it, I can't be completely sure, but from your description it sounds like you are just seeing a closed navel, which is ok. Sometimes there can be a small bump there for a day or so after hatch.

I don't like assisting either, but sometimes it's necessary
Hope all goes well for your little one, keep me posted.

There is a smell. I did have another chick that died halfway through hatch. My incubator got a funky smell the last few days. It’s the same smell.

 

[Small Farmer Jane]

There is a smell. I did have another chick that died halfway through hatch. My incubator got a funky smell the last few days. It’s the same smell.

Nothing oozing or hanging out at all.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Likely the smell is from the bad egg in the incubator.
See if that smell goes away overnight.
If she's moving about ok and eating/drinking, it's a positive sign.

 

[Small Farmer Jane]

Likely the smell is from the bad egg in the incubator.
See if that smell goes away overnight.
If she's moving about ok and eating/drinking, it's a positive sign.

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my issue. I feel relieved and appreciate your knowledge.