I think too much humidity during hatch sometimes causes raw navels (I personally would rather risk that than problems caused by low humidity, though!). Methods that I\'ve found to help chicks with raw navels:
* Put soft cheesecloth type cloth (Be sure it has a loose enough weave to still allow good air circulation) over the wire on incubator floor to keep hatching chick\'s navel from getting roughed up while newborn is scooting around
* If a chick has a raw navel, transfer it from the incubator to the less-hazardous brooder soon after it has begun to dry. While moving the chick, wrap it in a dry washcloth to protect it from draft. Then immediately hold it close under the brooder lamp to warm it, and gently rub some of the dampness off.
** Most importantly: Dampen newborn\'s navel with a little water and then dip navel area in Aeromycin antibiotic powder (available at feed stores or vet\'s). Using antibiotic powder rather than salve allows the skin on the navel to toughen up, helping protect it. You may wish to put powder on a second time a half day later.
* Ensure the brooder is close to 100 degrees for a damp newborn.
* Cover the brooder floor with soft paper towels (Try to get a kind with a minimum of bleaching chemicals used) for the first 3 days to minimize abrasion and keep particles from sticking to the chick\'s belly. Keep towels as clean as possible--changing 2-4 times/day.
* Add a little Terramycin antibiotic powder (perhaps Aeromycin would work just as well?) to drinking water for about 3 days. A little sugar and/or vitamins & electrolytes (NOT minerals, since in excess these can be lethal to chicks) in the water can bolster the chick’s system, as well.
