Urgent question about red sack protuding from chick abdomen

[dustbath]

I'm in upstate New York and our local vets don't treat chickens! It seems to be a policy.

 

[nnbreeder]

The money is in the exotics I guess, and large animals. They look at the replacement cost of hatchery stock and figure it's not worth it. But I have got so many hours in my birds just to break even I would have to get astronomical prices for my birds. And they are a few that can't be bought at any price.

 

[nnbreeder]

I'm going to check back in a little later, I'm playing tag with the Coyotes tonight. All you can do now is wait so I would get some rest. Les

 

[dustbath]

Thanks again for all your help.

 

[dustbath]

Another update and question:

The chick is still with us but does seem weaker. Someone suggested opening its beak to feed it sugar water with a syringe but I can't seem to get its beak open and I'm afraid of injuring it. Is there a trick to that?

Thanks!!

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

Since the yolk sack wasn't absorbed, it will need extra nutrition. The other thing you can give the chick is egg yolk. It has lots of protein.

You may have to use a blunt fingernail to get the chicks beak open and then drop a couple of drops in it's mouth. The beak is still soft now, but I don't think you have to worry about hurting it if you do it gently. It's going to be vitally important to get something in it as soon as possible or there is no way it will survive.

I'll keep checking back with you...good luck..

 

[s6bee]

I know someone suggested letting the water dribble along side her beak. You have to be carefull not to put too much down her, they can aspirate very easily. Don't tilt her head back.

Have you tied off the sac?

 

[dustbath]

OK progress! After a lot of failures, I got some into her and she's (it's?) now opening up her beak for the dropper. I am afraid of aspiration, as you mentioned, and am trying to be careful. But her eyes are open now and she seems less pitiful (barely).

I haven't tied off the yolk sack yet: as I mentioned earlier, there is something there that others have said may be the cord attaching the yolk sack but also may be an internal organ. I'm waiting for my camera to charge and I'll send a photo for advice.

 

[s6bee]

I would still try and tie if off. Could be the source of bleeding and if she's willing eat, then I wouldn't worry so much about absorbing the yolk sac.

 

[luvmychicknkids]

Very glad to hear the little one is still with us.