Baby Chick with Umbilical Hernia...what to do?

[tcaporale2427]

We had a chick born today with about a 2 cm bulge coming out of its belly button area. After looking at pictures, we’re almost 100% positive it’s an umbilical hernia. Is there anything we can do to help it? It looks like it might be bleeding just slightly. The chick seems healthy otherwise and is drinking. I would be heartbroken to have to put it down so any help is appreciated!

 

[CluckNDoodle]

Is it still in the incubator? It may finish absorbing. A picture would be helpful to confirm what you're looking at.
Occasionally there can be a small herniation that will heal over and look a bit like a black button from the navel not closing properly. As long as the intestines aren't protruding, it will primarily be a matter of keeping the area clean so that it doesn't get an infection. I would recommend chlorihexidine solution, it's a gentle disinfectant that I use for newly hatched chicks. You can put some on a cotton swab and dab the navel area once daily to help prevent infection. I would also try to keep the brooder extra clean as well. I hope your peep pulls through!

 

[tcaporale2427]

Thank you so much for your quick reply! Unfortunately it didn’t make it through the night. Poor little thing. Thanks again!

 

[chrissynemetz]

I'm sorry your little one didn't make it

 

[CluckNDoodle]

Thank you so much for your quick reply! Unfortunately it didn’t make it through the night. Poor little thing. Thanks again!

I'm so sorry.

 

[Fun guy set]

Sorry mine haves the same problem I just don’t know what to do it’s dying:/

 

[miskyst]

Can anybody identify this? It’s few other siblings died from yolk sac infection (I believe)

The chick is 6 days old, eating and drinking great, and has lots of strength. It hatched with wry neck but is improving and progressing.

Should I treat this?

 

[FunClucks]

If you don't get a lot of replies, start your own thread in the Emergencies forum - no telling if the folks on this thread are still on here or not. That way you'll be sure of a prompt response.

I had one with an umbilical hernia worse than that - part of it's intestines were outside of its body, and I couldn't get them inside before the hole closed up just after birth, so I had to cull the chick.

In this case, your chick might be okay? Can you you get closer pictures in focus in better lighting showing more detail of the area?