Urgent question about red sack protuding from chick abdomen

[nnbreeder]

In a way yes, the yolk sack will keep the chick nurished for a couple of days after hatching and pulling it into the body is the last thing that happens before the veins dry up and the chick hatches.

 

[dustbath]

There was some blood on the inside of the shell the chick emerged from. Does this indicate that she hatched prematurely? I think the hen may have stepped on the egg (she's new to this too).

 

[luvmychicknkids]

It looks like she lost a LOT of the yolk she would have normally absorbed, however. I would get some food into her tomorrow if she seems strong enough. Yes, they can normally go up to 3 days, however, that is when they have all the yolk absorbed. The longer she is still here the better chance she has. I highly doubt she is gonna die of blood loss....I think she would have already if she was going to. Yes, there is a risk of infection, but all of mine with rough navels did just fine with my last hatch.

 

[nnbreeder]

All I can tell you is that sometimes it happens but it happens more often in an incubator. Do you have a tabletop incubator that you could put the chick in overnight?

 

[dustbath]

I'm having a hard time imagining how the yolk sack could be absorbed at this point, given that it's dry and I have been putting damp paper towels on it, as nnbreeder also suggested, because she was sticking to everything, so they would probably have to go too.

 

[nnbreeder]

It can't be at this point and it would be better to tie it and then trim it off about1/16in from the thread on the side away from the body. like they do a child.

 

[dustbath]

I'm sorry, my replies are getting out of order. I don't have an incubator. I have her under a warm lamp in a box lined with terry towels and paper towels. There is a fairly accurate thermometer in with her and she is reacting to changes in temperature. A neighbor might be able to lend me a 30-egg incubator tomorrow.

 

[dustbath]

Do you think there would be any harm in waiting until tomorrow to trim off the sack? Would that increase the risk of infection? I'm afraid to do anything drastic right now.

Should I tie it off after the vein-cord or right next to the abdomen?

Will this be painful for the chick?

 

[nnbreeder]

Is it drying up right next to the body?

 

[dustbath]

It's still quite oozy next to the body but the whole thing is a lot less wet than it was a few hours ago. I can't tell if it's staying moist next to the abdomen or is also drier there.