My Chick Is Going To Explode!

[JAK Rabbitry]

These Ameraucana X Barred Rock chicks are about 3-4 weeks old. I have them side by side for comparison.
I was admiring my little peepers just a while ago and noticed one of them is absolutely huge. FAT. I picked him up and I just couldn't believe....he feels like a balloon! He's completely full of air! And if it were jut the stomach area I'd think gas or bloat of some digestional upset..... but even his neck, over the spine, under the wings/ribs, he's got a goot extra 1" of air under the skin, separating the skin from the muscle/bone.

You can see in the pics he even stands with his legs spread out all 'Howdy Partner' style. He is active otherwise, his butt is all clear, no blockage there. He doesn't seem to like being picked up, I dont know if it's uncomfortable for him or if it's typical chick drama. I can barely wrap my hand around him, he's nearly the size of a softball. And I dont pitch underhand very well so I need some way to shrink him!

Her'es pics of him and his hatch mate for comparison. All the other chicks appear fine.

What's going on?
Has anyone had this issue int he past?
Should I....pop him?

 

[dkosh]

I don't know if this will help but I found this on line.

"That is crop rot. Basically food is decomposing in the crop and filling it up like a balloon. Get some feed with antibiotics in it and some grit. Till then, gently press on the crop. The air should be expelled from the mouth, usually along with a little mucous. The crop can't grind up food when it's puffed up like a balloon, and unfortunately if you don't decompress it, they can starve."

I've never seen that before but I hope this helps. Keep us posted.

 

[JAK Rabbitry]

geez. Thanks for the tip though, I'll try some medicated feed and....squeezing.
Though if anyone has any other input or information, i'd still appreciate it.

 

[terrilhb]

Don't know if this will help but in June we bought 2 baby goats. 1 got bloated really bad. We had to massage his belly for like 4 hours. I don't know if this will work with chickens. But maybe it is worth a try. Sorry I don't know more. Keep us informed and good luck

 

[PunkinPeep]

I have read about this problem before but never dealt with it personally. I don't think this one is related to the crop though. I'm so sorry that i don't remember what it's called, but i will do some searching and see if i can find some more information.

 

[PunkinPeep]

http://www.thepoultrysite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9981

Here's a good thread about this problem.

 

[PunkinPeep]

http://dlhunicorn.conforums.com/index.cgi?board=emergencies&action=display&num=1161887881

Here's another. Hope this helps.

 

[dkosh]

Thanks PunkinPeep. I found that link very interesting. JAK I hope that is it, it seems like an easier fix. I've got my fingers crossed for you.

 

[JAK Rabbitry]

Quote:
Yes, thank you. I just went through and read some of the stuff on the other forum link you found for me. I think I may try sticking him with a needle and at least getting some medicated food into him. I think I have a spare 22g needle in the barn. If not, the feed store is just down the street, it's located on a dairy farm and i'm sure they have some cattle-sized needles available.

I'm curious as to if he'll look like a shriveled up balloon once he's poked.

 

[dkosh]

Hold on to her tight. You know what happens when you let all the air out of a balloon. She may shoot across the room.