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Question about chicks

14 years ago

I checked my 4 day old chicks today that are in my backyard bluebird box. Didn't see any parasites or anything that looked bad. Is it normal for their abdomens to be so big? I've been putting out a lot of mealworms lately due to the cool weather, maybe they're just getting fat!

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Comments (5)

gibby01
14 years ago
When i checked mine, I just looked inside, Should you be handling them? Does everyone get them out and inspect them? I guess you learn something everyday.
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gymell
Original Author
14 years ago
I monitor a bluebird trail at a local nature center, and found 5 dead chicks in one of the nests due to blowflies. Normally I'd leave mine alone, but I wanted to check them for parasites. As part of the nature center trail monitoring, I've been instructed to take them out and examine them, remove any parasites, etc. Obviously this should be done very quickly to minimize disturbance. I probably won't do it again at home unless I find parasites in the nest.
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bbcathy
14 years ago
Young bird's bellies always look swollen to me but wow that does look unusually swollen. If there is something wrong I sure don't know what there is you could do about it though. I have rescued them from cold, wet, abandonment or starvation but without knowing if anything is wrong or not I think all you can do is keep an eye on them for now. His color looks good. I have seen them looking pretty yellow and those usually don't make it. Keep us posted.
Cathy
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lisa11310
14 years ago
Gibby, no you really should not handle them unless you notice something is wrong, even then you should not touch them unless you have a rehabber walking you through it. Gymell has been a round quite a while.
BTW gymell did you notice Elli is looking for some pictures? I bet you have some good ones!
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kendra2003
14 years ago
The belly does look awfully big, and the crop looks awfully empty. Keep us updated on how it goes please.
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