Baby Chick has Hard Poop, seems to Hurt when she poos

[TacomaChickNMom]

I have a RIR chic that has been having really hard poops and it seems to hurt her when she goes. Does anyone know what this can be? I've tried the pasty butt remedies and wipe the poo from her vent about twice a day as it sticks to her fluff. It still seems like it hurts though. any advice?

 

[Frost Homestead]

is there a chance it just seems hard because it's drying? sounds like pasty butt to me, once it dries it gets very hard. I would check to make sure the temperature in your brooder is correct

 

[TeamChaos]

Yup, check the brooder temp. How old is she and how much is she drinking? Are you giving any other food beyond chick starter and is there grit available? Also, I've had some baby chicks that have been very, uh, animated in their pooping- I figure when they are that new, everything their body does must come as a surprise to them

 

[TacomaChickNMom]

Now I have one that seemed very healthy acting very lethargic. ... :-( Any idea why this could be? Brooder seems warm enough, etc. Maybe needs vitamins? Should I add Chic Saver to the water?

 

[cafarmgirl]

Any time I see a young chick who has previously been thriving suddenly acting lethargic, just standing around puffed up, not eating much, I treat for coccidiosis. It is very common and brooders are perfect places for it. What chicks don't occasionally plop a nice big poop right in their waterer? Plus they are scratching around in the bedding and poop all day long. It happens. Yes, occasionally chicks just don't thrive or may die of other causes but coccidiosis is very common, it also moves very fast and is lethal. So it pays to treat right away if you see symptoms.

 

[TacomaChickNMom]

Well, the chick is definitely lethargic and is not eating, but I have been giving water with electrolytes and probiotics to it and it is drinking water. I cant' separate the chic now, I don't have an adequate heat source to keep it warm and when I separate him he cries for his mates. I haven't seen any bloody stool but I did see it do a white milky poo. I'm really worried. I think I will try to keep giving it water and see if I can find the Corid somewhere locally tomorrow. :-(

 

[casportpony]

Any time I see a young chick who has previously been thriving suddenly acting lethargic, just standing around puffed up, not eating much, I treat for coccidiosis. It is very common and brooders are perfect places for it. What chicks don't occasionally plop a nice big poop right in their waterer? Plus they are scratching around in the bedding and poop all day long. It happens. Yes, occasionally chicks just don't thrive or may die of other causes but coccidiosis is very common, it also moves very fast and is lethal. So it pays to treat right away if you see symptoms.

X2!

 

[casportpony]

Sometimes they won't drink/eat enough if they have to leave the heat source to get to the water and food.

 

[casportpony]

You also mentioned that one seemed like it was having a hard time pooping. If there is no poop caked on, it could be dehydrated. Try making a warn, wet crumble mash for them. But don't leave it in long enough for it to spoil.

 

[casportpony]

Well, the chick is definitely lethargic and is not eating, but I have been giving water with electrolytes and probiotics to it and it is drinking water. I cant' separate the chic now, I don't have an adequate heat source to keep it warm and when I separate him he cries for his mates. I haven't seen any bloody stool but I did see it do a white milky poo. I'm really worried. I think I will try to keep giving it water and see if I can find the Corid somewhere locally tomorrow. :-(

If you can't find Corid, get Sulmet. Corid is much better, but Sulmet would be better than nothing. TSC should have Corid in the cattle section.