2 Questions pasty butt and sand

[Cohsm]

When we got my chicks last Friday, I asked the guys opinion on sand in the brooder. He advised against it because they could choke. Has anyone had this experience? I have sand, but as of now it is covered in paper towels. The other thing is I have two girls that keep getting pasty butt (I think). When they poop it gets stuck in their fluff. They are an americana and a Cochin. I can't seem to get the gunk off. I have tried warm damp paper towels. They seem healthy and happy besides that. What causes this?

 

[Jensownzoo]

They can get an impaction if they eat too much sand...or too many shavings. I kept my chicks on paper towels for the first week...not only so I could see the character of their droppings, but also to give them a chance to learn what was food before turning them loose on sand.

Pasty butt is a softer than normal stool that gets caught in the downy fluff around the vent. So, anything that causes a softer stool can result in it. Stress (including heat stress), dietary imbalance, parasitism (esp coccidia in young chicks), and other things can all result in it.

 

[Jensownzoo]

Oh, and you can give them a "butt bath" using warm water and a soft toothbrush if you have to. Just be sure to dry them off thoroughly and keep warm.

 

[Cohsm]

Thank you, I will try both of those things. I did raise their heat lamp, they did look a little warm. One was laying down with wings out. Figured they were too warm. Now we'll see if they start to huddle.