Urgent question about red sack protuding from chick abdomen

[Wynette]

I'm so sorry for your loss, missinfo. These critters sure can get into our hearts! You did all you could, and if nothing else, this was an excellent learning experience - not just for you, but for all of us who read your thread & saw your pics. This is one of the reasons I love this community - the folks are so giving, caring, and we learn so much! Bless you for helping the chick all you could.

 

[playingchicken]

I also wanted to let you know that you did all you could. The mama hen probably sensed something was wrong with the chick and those were definitely intestines.

Don't be hard on yourself. Those chicks have a lot against them from the start...I guess that is why the hens lay so many.

 

[robinaggie]

This little chickie had multiple problems. I'm sorry for your loss, but you did all you could. Even if you had put its intestines back in, they probably would have been twisted.

Go take a nap. You deserve a rest.

 

[Beau coop]

I am terribly sorry for your loss. You really did do everything you could. Thank you for sharing this ultimately tragic event with us and for allowing us to learn along with you.
Michele

 

[Mrs MIA]

Oh no!!! I finally got a chance to check back this morning and now I'm so sad. Please don't beat yourself up... you did all you could. You made a monumental effort to help it, but sometimes it still isn't enough. I had one yesterday that wasn't nearly as bad and it didn't make it either. It was probably for the best. I'm so sorry... :aww I do hope you'll keep trying. Are there other eggs/chicks under your hen?

:aww We tried...

 

[nnbreeder]

I'm sorry for your loss, both you and the chick gave it all you had to give. Sadly, some don't survive.

 

[dustbath]

Thank you all so much for all your help and support during the vigil and afterwards. I would have been completely lost without you. It is really impressive that there were people all over the country coaching me with their experience and wisdom.

Hopefully, next time I'll be more competent at least.

THere are 3 eggs left under the hen. A few days ago, I found a dead chick half under her, so I wonder if there are other problems. I'm hoping the rest are ok.

I only have a flock of 4, 3 hens and a roo, so I'm keeping everything small.

The hen is now in a brooding coop, on her own. I have a question about bedding for chicks, assuming the rest of the eggs hatch successfully. I have heard that I can't use straw for bedding for chicks because they can't walk through it. I use cedar shavings for the coop usually but I've read that chicks eat wood shavings, get impacted, and die. Is this true? People around here I've asked say they have used wood shavings. I put the hen on straw, since that's what she's used to in the nesting boxes, but changed it for crushed corn cobs. She refused to use it, so I ended up putting some straw on top to make it familiar for her.

Should I change it? What do you use?

Thanks again!

 

[seminolewind]

Hi, I had one that was bleeding out after she was born. I panicked. I ran into the kitchen and grabbed some flour, and sprinkled it on the bloody stuff. It actually stopped the bleeding. The next morning, she was up and around, and right now she is sitting on some eggs.

 

[seminolewind]

Hi, sorry for your loss. I just read the rest of the posts. It does look like intestines to me. Anyway, it's always sad. I could still cry over the 2 chicks I lost last year.

 

[dangerouschicken]

Cedar shavings are really not good for chicks. The cedar can be toxic. We use pine shavings and have not had problems with them eating them. We also use wood pellets (for woodstoves) for chicks, guineas, turkeys, etc. in brooders. Hope that helps.

So sorry about the chick passing. This thread was so moving, I have been reading it outloud to my husband tonight. He was amazed by everyone's concerned help and information. We just love BYC!

Straw is okay, as long as it is not too deep for the chicks.