A few days ago, Kirstin discovered that our youngest chicken had what felt like a large air pocket on her belly, close to her right leg. We watched the situation, hoping that this would just go away. The little chicken was eating, drinking, and moving about normally, so we didn't feel that emergency intervention would be necessary.
However, since a few days have now gone by with no change, Dr Kirstin was ready to take some action - she just didn't know what would be appropriate and beneficial. So, as we do with our human patients, we went to the internet for information.
Lo and behold, we found a discussion forum for chicken owners (it really is true: you can find ANYTHING on the internet). Someone had posted a question about a similar problem, and so we learned that chickens (as well as other birds) have air sacs under their skin in certain locations. Occasionally these sacs can be accidentally punctured, and air can be released from the sacs and get trapped under the skin.
The remedy? Puncture the unwanted pocket of air. Supposedly (hopefully) the internal air sac heals itself, and once the pocket of air which has left the air sacs and collected under the skin is released, the chicken will be fine.
So, this afternoon Kirstin operated on Squeaker the chicken. She punctured the swollen area, and sure enough, air came out. She had to work to get all of the air out, as there seem to have been internal 'bubbles' of air, which had to be deflated individually.
(Notice surgical assistant David, on alert to hand over the antibiotic cream at the appropriate moment.)
Immediately following her surgery, Squeaker returned to the chicken coop and went back to regular chicken activity.
So, we have now added to our family repertoire the essential skill of chicken deflation. This activity also had educational benefits, as we now know a few new facts about avian anatomy!
6 comments:
LOL, what a title!
You know, I usually just lurk, but I must comment that Kirstin should consider a career in the vetrinary feild--she has the hands and the stomach for it. At lease no bot bugs were involved! I love this blog!
Jane McSweeney
Jacksonville, FL
Glad you enjoyed it, Aaron!
I agree Jane - I think she'd be a great vet! Thanks for de-lurking!
Way to go Kirstin!
Oh! btw, my daughter asked about the meeting set up on Sunday to pick up the care package from Gracias and then she said, "are they sending a chicken?" As serious as can be. I love it!
I'm happy to know about this. Hopefully I won't need to do it in the future, but you never know.
Wow! that girl is real good!!! I sense a future in veterinary medicine....?
Air sacs aid birds in the effort of flight, also their bonesd are semi hollow making them lighter.
Keep up the good work kid...
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