Chickens have dried poop stuck to stomach

[HEIDISTAR5]

Hello! I have a batch of chicks about 4 weeks old and they have been in good health. I left for a trip for 4 days and had instructed the people on the property on how to take over while I was gone. When I arrived noone had cleaned the chickens home and the state on the container was horrible (I was freaking pissed and everyone recieved some words). The chickens have dried poop stuck to their belly's. I have tried soaking them to clean it off, but don't want to do that to much to avoid stressing the chickens. I am looking for suggestions and advice. Will the dried poop lead to an infection? Thank you!

 

[cavemanrich]

The dried poop must have adhered to their lower area from laying in it. I would not have any concerns about soaking, and cleaning the dried poop. I don't think they would get stressed to any danger point.
When you do the soaking, do interact with them and caress their tops, and you can also comfort them with the sound of your voice. Believe it, your voice will comfort them since it is not associated with harm.
The dried poop will drop off on its own if you provide deep enough bedding where they may attempt to dust bathe in. I would not worry too much about infections.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, and

 

[HEIDISTAR5]

Thank you so much. I will put my sawdust in with them now and give them another bath if needed when I get off work! Stay safe!