Chick has trouble pooping

[candyspiegel]

I've been reading and can't seem to find this exact problem, so I am hoping someone can please help.
I have a 3-week old chick who is having a hard time pooping. It started about a week ago. She strains, (while singing a little song) and pushes so hard, you can see her insides poking out. She gets a tiny bit out and then she spends minutes -- or hours -- straining to get the rest out. She pecks back there, but can't quite reach. Eventually, she gets a small amount out and it falls off (her vent does not get blocked). It is dry and solid and usually has a bit of white on it. She does not seem to be smaller than the other chicks and seems to be eating and drinking OK, but her bottom is red and I know she is not comfortable. Do I need to do anything? What do I do? This is my first time raising chicks.
Thank you for your help!

 

[CMV]

Unfortunately, there is not much you can do. It will either work itself out, or it won't. Make sure she is getting enough water. And keep your fingers crossed that it is just a temporary imposition. Maybe with time her musculature will strengthen and she will have fewer problems.

Sorry I can't be more help. Good luck with her.

 

[dawg53]

Try adding abit of applesauce to her feed, it acts as a mild laxative in chickens... or see if she'll eat the applesauce without feed.

 

[Sandra Lee]

One of mine is having the same problem I thought she was getting better but seems worse again. Did you try applesauce and did it help? Have you tried anything else that worked?