chick, 3 weeks old, vent rear end contracting continuously

[DAYDRINKER]

I have four chicks in the brooder. All the same age. One chick is almost half the size of the other three and it's vent/ tail /rear end seem to contract almost continuously. The vent is clear. Her behavior is otherwise unremarkable.
Any ideas?

 

[Judy]

I wonder if it is constipated. I'd probably try dropper feeding a little water olong the side of the beak, so it pulls it into its mouth. Are you having a problem with the waterer filling with litter, or their pooping in it?

 

[DAYDRINKER]

There were issues with shavings in water but I'm sure this behavior started in the first week, while I still had them on towel. She is eating and drinking.

 

[Judy]

Some chicks eat more shavings than others, too, but they no doubt all get some. Maybe this one is eating too many shavings?

You could try a tsp or two of molasses in the water. I understand it's a mild laxative, and since its sweet, it shouldn't discourage them from drinking.

Also, being too warm will dehydrate them. They should really have a brooder big enough that it has warm and cool places. Different chicks will prefer different temps. Maybe just raise the heat lamp some.

 

[DAYDRINKER]

thanks for the ideas