Chick can't poop

[chckndaddy]

My oldest chick (3 days old) can't poop! He could yesterday! He squats and tries to, but he can't. All that comes out is a drop of water! I already checked for pasty butt and I don't think he has it.
What should I do?

 

[sannabelle]

I would soak his bottom half in warm water and maybe do a little tummy rubbing (kind of like bottle fed pups or kittens), if you soak him make sure you don't let him chill. He needs to be dried and put under the heat. Maybe some chick electrolytes as well.

 

[chckndaddy]

thanks!

 

[sannabelle]

Welcome!! Hope it works!

 

[azygous]

Please do this asap! Get some oil. Coconut oil is easiest to give a baby chick, but any oil will work. Olive, mineral, castor.

You need to get oil into this chick immediately, not tomorrow, tonight. If you have coconut oil, chill it so it's solid. Break off tiny seeds if it and pry open the chick's beak and place the tiny bits of oil on the tongue. The chick will automatically swallow. Keep doing this until you've gotten half a teaspoon down your chick. For good measure, stick a tiny bit just inside the vent and smooth some on the outside of the vent to help prevent swollen tissue.

You can use liquid oil, too. Place half a teaspoon in the palm of your hand. Keep dipping the chick's beak in the oil until it swallows it all. This is much harder than the solid coconut oil. But if you can get it into the chick, you may save its life.

It will take about 12 hours for the chick to pass the backed up poop. In another 12 hours, it should start feeling better. One more day, and it will be fully recovered.

 

[chckndaddy]

Do you think if I could get it to drink some electrolytes that it mite help too?
Also is it OK to let the other healthier chicks that are in the cage drink it too?

 

[sannabelle]

Yes, all the chicks can have electrolytes- won't harm them

 

[chckndaddy]

 

[sannabelle]

How's the little one doing today?

 

[theuglychick]

Canned pumpkin is good for softening poop and pushing stuff out. My vet recommended it for dogs and chickens and my chicks love it.