Umbilical Hernia on chick - anything to do?

[uisceros]

Hello,

I had a teeny little d’uccle chick hatch tonight, and it has what I can only assume is an umbilical hernia.

Is there anything I can do here? I lost a chick a week ago to a burst hernia, and I really don’t want it to happen again.

It’s still in the incubator with its sibling (a d’uccle/kikiriki mix, so it’s a lot smaller). It’s pooped, but obviously not eaten yet.

 

[GodLovesU]

I could be wrong, but that almost looks like I absorbed yolk.

 

[coach723]

I would give it some time, see if in fact that is unabsorbed yolk. If it is it may resolve. Just make sure it doesn't attract attention and get pecked.

 

[uisceros]

I could be wrong, but that almost looks like I absorbed yolk.

I would give it some time, see if in fact that is unabsorbed yolk. If it is it may resolve. Just make sure it doesn't attract attention and get pecked.

Thanks both!! I hope it’s just unabsorbed yolk. The chick seems strong so far. I’ll keep an eye on it though.

This is what it looks like today. Less swollen and red.

Also here’s the little one with its half-kikiriki sibling. The size difference is hilarious.

 

[coach723]

That looks much better, so likely unabsorbed yolk.
It's toes look a bit curled, so you may need to tape them (a chick shoe) to help straighten them to a more normal position, as well as supplement with riboflavin. You can use a human B complex tablet for that, grind up 1/4 of a tablet or capsule, mix with 1/2 tsp of water and give the chick a couple of drops daily.
Here is an article showing making chick shoes (not difficult or complicated). Use something that is not too sticky that makes it difficult to remove without hurting tiny toes. I prefer vet wrap or co wrap that sticks to itself rather than the toes.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...s-with-tape-picture-tutorial-and-video.75247/

 

[uisceros]

That looks much better, so likely unabsorbed yolk.
It's toes look a bit curled, so you may need to tape them (a chick shoe) to help straighten them to a more normal position, as well as supplement with riboflavin. You can use a human B complex tablet for that, grind up 1/4 of a tablet or capsule, mix with 1/2 tsp of water and give the chick a couple of drops daily.
Here is an article showing making chick shoes (not difficult or complicated). Use something that is not too sticky that makes it difficult to remove without hurting tiny toes. I prefer vet wrap or co wrap that sticks to itself rather than the toes.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...s-with-tape-picture-tutorial-and-video.75247/

Here's hoping! I unfortunately didn't have a broody hen when these guys hatched so they're in a brooder right now. Honestly that might be better considering how delicate the baby's skin is. It seems to still be doing well.

I actually just noticed the feet issue as well - thanks for the instructions! I have plenty of vet wrap (and b complex!) so I'll use that.

Luckily the baby seems to be able to get around okay. I had a bad hatch this time - my first two babies didn't make it (one had what I assume was a burst hernia or yolk infection, and the other was a splay leg who never thrived), so even the fact that it's walking is a good sign to me!

 

[uisceros]

Quick update! Baby is doing great! I had a bit of a scare on their first day outside of the incubator where they got too cold because they didn't realize they needed to go under the brooder plate. Luckily I caught them in time so they recovered well. I then overcompensated by adding another heat plate. It seems to be working well.

I fixed the baby's feet with some tape. It's toes are now nice and straight