Omphalitis or “Mushy Chick” is a bacterial infection of a chicks naval due to unsanitary conditions or exposure to other affected chicks.
- At risk:
- Newly hatched chicks
- Symptoms:
- Bad smell
- Weak, drowsy appearance
- Enlarged, blue tinted naval area
- Cause:
- Bacteria infection of chick’s naval
- Unsanitary conditions
- Exposure to other affected chicks
- Treatment:
- Most chicks will die
- Remove all affected chicks
- Clean all surfaces thoroughly
- Be careful handling infected chicks because may be passed to humans as staph or strep
- Omphalitis Prevention:
- Ensure incubators and brooders and cleaned and sanitized regularly
- Avoid damp conditions or litter
For detailed information on other common ailments, see related posts below.
