- Jun 27, 2011
- 75
- 2
- 41
Hello,
One of my chicks has been having an issue with a sore vent. She was plainly having problems passing droppings and would peep miserably every time she went.
One of our moderators suggested several ways to try helping her, all of which I did try:
Washing poop from her vent with warm water rather than using wet paper towel- worked good and gave her a little relief
Treat with antibiotic ointment-made her more comfortable, but didn't seem to affect the problem
Add 1 Tbsp. cider vinegar per gallon of water (all the chicks do drink it)
Offer live cultured yogurt- this didn't work, the chicks won't eat it in feed, scrambled egg, or cottage cheese.
This morning, she was the worst off she's been yet. Her vent was distended at least a quarter inch. It wasn't discolored, but was so swollen she could barely pass anything. There was a very bad smell, like the smell of infection, coming from whatever she could pass. She would try to poop, and cry miserably, at least once every five minutes. There wasn't much stuff around her vent, but I washed off her bottom and applied ointment. She promptly peeped very rapidly and LOUD, then passed a huge dropping, then laid down. I thought she was feeling a little better and might sleep.
There were a few chores to do upstairs, when I returned about to check her an hour later, she was lying on her face, dead.
I'm a little frantic here. My wife thinks this one chick has some kind of congenital defect, but I'm worried about disease. I've cleaned and disinfected the brooder and everything in it; plus inspected all the other chicks' bottoms (okay so far). They are still very chipper and don't seem to feel sick.
Do we need to be concerned about the other chicks' health, or is my wife right? Please weigh in!
Thanks, -Dave- "Pullet Surprise Winner"
One of my chicks has been having an issue with a sore vent. She was plainly having problems passing droppings and would peep miserably every time she went.
One of our moderators suggested several ways to try helping her, all of which I did try:
Washing poop from her vent with warm water rather than using wet paper towel- worked good and gave her a little relief
Treat with antibiotic ointment-made her more comfortable, but didn't seem to affect the problem
Add 1 Tbsp. cider vinegar per gallon of water (all the chicks do drink it)
Offer live cultured yogurt- this didn't work, the chicks won't eat it in feed, scrambled egg, or cottage cheese.
This morning, she was the worst off she's been yet. Her vent was distended at least a quarter inch. It wasn't discolored, but was so swollen she could barely pass anything. There was a very bad smell, like the smell of infection, coming from whatever she could pass. She would try to poop, and cry miserably, at least once every five minutes. There wasn't much stuff around her vent, but I washed off her bottom and applied ointment. She promptly peeped very rapidly and LOUD, then passed a huge dropping, then laid down. I thought she was feeling a little better and might sleep.
There were a few chores to do upstairs, when I returned about to check her an hour later, she was lying on her face, dead.
I'm a little frantic here. My wife thinks this one chick has some kind of congenital defect, but I'm worried about disease. I've cleaned and disinfected the brooder and everything in it; plus inspected all the other chicks' bottoms (okay so far). They are still very chipper and don't seem to feel sick.
Do we need to be concerned about the other chicks' health, or is my wife right? Please weigh in!
Thanks, -Dave- "Pullet Surprise Winner"
