- Sep 30, 2014
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This is our first go-round with chickens, and we are having so much fun. Our 3 week old RIR female chick is having a hard time pooping. She is otherwise content, eating, drinking, playing with our other chicks, but for some reason when she needs to poop she has difficulty - fluffs out her feathers, sometimes closes her eyes, makes a strange chirping sound. None of the other chicks are bothering her when this happens, and after a minute or so she is able to go. I've observed her pooping without struggle in the last few days also, but this seems to be a trend. They were all vaccinated for Mareks, and are on medicated chick starter. We have added grit to their starter since day 3. We've taken them outside to let them scratch around for a bit in the last week, and we also gave them some dried mealy worm treats last week. I've added electrolytes and probiotics back to their water since I've noticed her struggling. Any tips? Do we need to be concerned?
They certainly are so much fun to have around!. I haven't personally had this problem before but I think if it continues and your chick does seem to be struggling then it may be an issue. Obviously it could just be one of those things that clear up and is nothing to worry about. Have you checked your chicks vent to see if there are any abnormality's? (I know it's not the nicest thing to do). Also are the chicks poops the same as your other chicks?. If the chick looks uncomfortable or is struggling you could try stimulating the chicks vent with a slightly wet/warm cotton bud. Some of my chicks raise their wings when going to toilet so behaviour like that is completely normal but the chirping sound could be an indicator your chick is in discomfort
