Baby chick - No feathers below vent and can see poo through the thin skin

[tlatham72]

I have two chicks that are 3-4 weeks old that have zero feathers in the entire area below the vent...where the fluffy butt typically is. The skin appears very thin, not red, but almost see-through as I can see the dark poo filled up inside the area. I think it looks overfull, but I can't be sure because I've never seen that area bare on any chicken or chick before. The vent does not appear clogged like pasty butt or prolapsed or infected. As I mentioned, the skin, nor the vent, are red or irritated. Just completely fatherless and seemingly full of poo. The area is mushy, not hard. And both chicks are active and alert and seem to feel fine.

What is going on and what should I do?

All of the other 6 chicks that live with them seem fine and have normal fluffy butts. But I have quarantined the 2 with this issue.

Update: I just noticed that one of the chicks also has a huge crop now as well. It wasn't this way yesterday. The skin is also appearing a bit red tonight.

Thanks!

 

[FeatherTay]

@DobieLover
Do you have pics, OP

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have two chicks that are 3-4 weeks old that have zero feathers in the entire area below the vent...where the fluffy butt typically is. The skin appears very thin, not red, but almost see-through as I can see the dark poo filled up inside the area. I think it looks overfull, but I can't be sure because I've never seen that area bare on any chicken or chick before. The vent does not appear clogged like pasty butt or prolapsed or infected. As I mentioned, the skin, nor the vent, are red or irritated. Just completely fatherless and seemingly full of poo. The area is mushy, not hard. And both chicks are active and alert and seem to feel fine.

What is going on and what should I do?

All of the other 6 chicks that live with them seem fine and have normal fluffy butts. But I have quarantined the 2 with this issue.

Update: I just noticed that one of the chicks also has a huge crop now as well. It wasn't this way yesterday.

Thanks!

Please post some photos of the vents.

When are you checking the crop? If they have been eating/drinking, the crop will feel like it's got food in it - some can be quite large. Re-Check the crop first thing in the morning before the chick has had anything to eat/drink - it should be empty/flat, if it's not, then let us know.

 

[tlatham72]

@DobieLover
Do you have pics, OP

 

[tlatham72]

Please post some photos of the vents.

When are you checking the crop? If they have been eating/drinking, the crop will feel like it's got food in it - some can be quite large. Re-Check the crop first thing in the morning before the chick has had anything to eat/drink - it should be empty/flat, if it's not, then let us know.

It most likely is full because it is late at night. I will recheck in the AM.

 

[tlatham72]

Pic 1, what looks like vertical dots on the skin below the vent is actually a few tiny feathers still left there. Pic 2 is of the second chick that isn't as bad yet.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Pic 1, what looks like vertical dots on the skin below the vent is actually a few tiny feathers still left there. Pic 2 is of the second chick that isn't as bad yet.

Eating/drinking and active? Are they both pooping?
I'm not quite sure what to make of that.
The 1st one, I see a bit of scabbing/damage around the vent too - I do wonder if it's bruising instead of waste that you are seeing. The white chick, I see a hint of green which in chickens is bruising.
Since they are both bald, I would take a guess and say they have been bruised by plucking.

 

[tlatham72]

Eating/drinking and active? Are they both pooping?
I'm not quite sure what to make of that.
The 1st one, I see a bit of scabbing/damage around the vent too - I do wonder if it's bruising instead of waste that you are seeing. The white chick, I see a hint of green which in chickens is bruising.
Since they are both bald, I would take a guess and say they have been bruised by plucking.

That bit of color that looks like scabbing was actually a bit of poo. Ive been trying to treat them with a tiny bit of molasses and probiotics and it caused her to have a little bit of watery poo that dried on her vent. I noticed it after I took the pics and it easily wiped off. I did get the brown chick to poop yesterday. It seemed like normal poop. Wonder what would cause bruising? I haven't nkticed any rough stuff or bullying going in with the chicks.

 

[tlatham72]

Eating/drinking and active? Are they both pooping?
I'm not quite sure what to make of that.
The 1st one, I see a bit of scabbing/damage around the vent too - I do wonder if it's bruising instead of waste that you are seeing. The white chick, I see a hint of green which in chickens is bruising.
Since they are both bald, I would take a guess and say they have been bruised by plucking.

And yes they are eating and drinking and active and alert.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

And yes they are eating and drinking and active and alert.

Since you have them separated, see the discoloration resolves over the course of a few days, but it would be good to put a white paper towel or puppy pad under them so you can clearly see their droppings from overnight.
Eating/drinking, active/alert are all good things!