CUTTING THE CORD

If you see a thin, black string hanging from the rear of a new chick, leave it be. This is the chick’s umbilical cord. Some birds arrive with it still intact but not to worry: It will fall off within a few days. In the meantime, watch the chick for signs of bullying (other chicks may be attracted to it and try to pick at it). Since attached cords are unrelated to pasted vents, keep checking the chick for signs of pasty butt in addition to checking the cord.