Chickens require a certain amount of feed a day, give or take according to breed and size. Many people do not leave food out 24/7 as they can overeat and waste. Is this not correct?
Check this link out as there can be different treatable causes: http://countrysidenetwork.com/daily/poultry/feed-health/caring-for-baby-chicks-with-pasty-butt/
Started raising chickens again since I raised some (3) as a kid for an agriculture class. Have 34 right now, but have some hatching as we speak. Look forward to all the good info here.