Baby chicks are constipated

[WillemdeJong]

I’ve got 2 week old chicks and they have stuck poop. It’s not pasty butt, spent the first week dealing with that, now I got 3 of the 28 that can’t seem to poop. They push and push and only a little comes out. Their rectum protrudes fairly far out when trying to poop. I have only fed them starter feed and some egg yolk to help with the pasty butt issue. Oddly enough all 3 are Rhode Island reds. I’ve helped one get some out, and I also tried to get a bit of coconut oil in them as suggested by a person on here. I’ve also put a dab of olive oil on their butts to help it slide which I also read on here. None of these recommendations seem to work. Feeling a bit helpless here.

 

[nuthatched]

Making a mash out of the feed helps, add water and let sit until like a thick oatmeal.

 

[WillemdeJong]

Okay... I am assuming that just helps increase their water intake with the feed?

 

[Pumperkinz]

It helps not using cold water as well. I've had good luck w/ my last batch from letting the water get to a luke warm and it prevents pasty butt/aids in digestion. Also not adding any vitamins/minerals as well. But @nuthatched's suggestion is another way to make sure they get hydrated and help with bowl movements.

Hope they start pooping soon!

 

[nuthatched]

Okay... I am assuming that just helps increase their water intake with the feed?

Correct and makes it easier to digest

 

[Roosterinthecity]

Yup…mash is the way. Warm water mixed in with electrolytes is what I use. Mix it so every area is moist.
Som people make it soupy, I make it to the point where it’s like “woops, I left my cereal soak in milk for too long” texture.

 

[KimbosKluckers]

Very new to chicks here but I had one baby do the same thing. Her anus was as big as a small olive. I thought for sure I’d lose her. I soaked her bottom in warm water (for at least 10 minutes )and rubbed it with cotton 3 times a day for a week. Then once a day for 3-4 days. Also rubbed coconut oil on it after the bath. She’s now been fine for 2 weeks. I hope you can help your baby. I couldn’t believe how happy I got when she did a giant poop

 

[realsis]

I’ve got 2 week old chicks and they have stuck poop. It’s not pasty butt, spent the first week dealing with that, now I got 3 of the 28 that can’t seem to poop. They push and push and only a little comes out. Their rectum protrudes fairly far out when trying to poop. I have only fed them starter feed and some egg yolk to help with the pasty butt issue. Oddly enough all 3 are Rhode Island reds. I’ve helped one get some out, and I also tried to get a bit of coconut oil in them as suggested by a person on here. I’ve also put a dab of olive oil on their butts to help it slide which I also read on here. None of these recommendations seem to work. Feeling a bit helpless here.

Hi. I feed mine a bit of Probios probitics. It helps by adding beneficial bacteria to their gut. You can usually find Probios at Tractor Supply. It is a multi species probitic. I've used this on all my flocks and had great results. It will help them with their issues. It's powered an I add a small amount to their water. It should help. Let me know how it goes. Best wishes