Please help--something is wrong and I don't know what to do...

[chickeegirl]

I was posting earlier about our chickens...but thought more would see and have an answer for me. I'm a newbie...

This chick hatched today (started pipping yesterday on day 20). Humidity was an issue for sure. I had to help him out a bit a few times today, as the white membrane was hard and he couldn't break through after almost 24 hours. He is finally free of his shell and is desperately trying to get up and walk. I was thrilled. But he has a reddish bulge on his lower belly. I thought it was the egg sac at first and left him alone most of today, but now he's freed from the egg and is moving about. I have no idea what this is hanging from him or what to do for him. Please help if you can! I don't want to lose him.



Here is another picture-not as clear: Please help me to figure out what's wrong! I read a lot tonight and I think it could be his intestines...I'm praying it's not--because if so, that appears to be fatal.



Anyone???

 

[chickeegirl]

Just when it seemed like the yellow stuff was separating from the red part, I thought maybe he was ok. But after another check just now, there is green drainage coming from that area. I can't find any information and don't know what to do. I don't know if I should get him out of the bator, since there is another live chicken in there, doing well right now, hatching its way out.

Thoughts?

 

[chickeegirl]

No one knows what this is hanging from him or what to do? Please...

 

[boxermom&nowchicks]

I'm sorry I don't know what is wrong with him, but want you to know I'm hoping he's okay. Hopefully some one will see this and be able to help you.

 

[nbenevento]

It is the intestines. This chick will not survive. Sorry to have to say it and sorry to you for the loss.

 

[SarahJaneB]

Ohhh i'm so sorry

Hatching can be exciting but there are really sad moments too, I'm sorry you're having to experience this.

 

[Mommafixit]

It looks like its not absorbed the yolk completely, and that has caused the belly not to close up. Wrap it in wet warm paper towel and place It small bowl or cup so that it can't pull or tug at it. Sometimes it will close and heal on its on with a little time. HTH.

 

[chickeegirl]

I'm worried it's the intestines. Will it die on its own if so? It's still in the incubator with one other half hatched chick.

I can't bring myself to killing it. And don't want my husband to, on the chance that it isn't the intestines.

I have put it in a little plastic tub with wet/warm washcloth on the bottom so it can't keep trying to walk around, with the hopes that it is part of the yolk sac, b/c I have no idea what else to do. I guess I'll leave it overnight and see how things are in the morning.

Any other thoughts?

 

[bobbi-j]

My thought is that the kindest thing you can do for that baby is let your husband end its suffering. Sometimes the best thing we can do for our animals is the hardest for us. It's part of having animals, though. We are responsible for their comfort and care. We also have the responsibility to not let them suffer unnecessarily.

 

[chickeegirl]

A few on there believe it's the yolk sac...and that it will be ok. I don't want it to suffer, but I also don't want to end its life prematurely. I sent my friend a message, who owns the chicks and I guess I see what she wants to do in the morning. Thanks for all of your help.

Still saying a little prayer to St. Francis that this little one will be ok in the meantime.