Swelling chick

[chicklunatic]

I lost two chicks last night; I thought maybe they had been taken by an owl or something. But around lunch time they appeared (I think they were hiding in the wood pile). They seemed fine at first but then my leghorn now is beginning to swell. She feels like a big fluffy pillow all through her stomach and neck area. What could have happened to her?

 

[RAWR]

she probly ate some wood chips

 

[Redcatcher]

It sounds like she has a ruptured air sac. IF that is the case then the solution is to lance the skin to let the air escape

 

[Redcatcher]

Quote:
I hope this was meant as humor and not advice.

 

[RAWR]

Quote:
I hope this was meant as humor and not advice.

no! doesnt eating wood chips do that?

 

[chicklunatic]

Thanks so much for the advice....it seems that that was what it was. The air just whooshed out of her. Do we need to do anything else? I put antibiotic cream over the opening.

 

[chickensducks&agoose]

a ruptured Air sac? what is that, how does it happen, and where do you cut them?

 

[RAWR]

chickensducks&agoose :

a ruptured Air sac? what is that, how does it happen, and where do you cut them?

yea :O but really, what happens when chicks eat wood chips...​

 

[Redcatcher]

Glad to help. The air sacs (part of the chickens respiratory system) can easily rupture either from a fall, injury, or in this case, maybe the owl made a grab for the chick and missed. The air leaks from the air sac and accumulates under the skin. Once the air is released it usually heals on its own without any further problems. I forgot to mention that the lance should be sterilized but most people would know to do this. The best place to lance is where the air has accumulated the most.

 

[RAWR]

Quote:
so do u just poke it threw?