Chicks have balls of poop stuck to their feet...what should i do???

[Justino]

Almost all of my chicks have seemingly growing balls of poop stuck to their toes.......and i mean its really stuck on there

we tried soaking em in water for a couple minutes but it doesn't seem to be working,
Any ideas for a way to get em off their poor lil toes?


Thanks,
Justino

 

[MikasGirl]

I was going to say soak them in some warm water and then gently try to pick it off, (kind of gross but worth it) but if that doesn't work, I would maybe try to rub some vaseline on their toes where the balls are to loosen it up. This happens to my birds all the time. Good luck!

-Cassidy

 

[Justino]

Quote:
Thanks, i guess we will just keep tryin

do you think it would be bad if we left em on? would they end up comin off?
14 chicks, 20 mins each to get off

 

[Katy]

Maybe try cleaning their brooder more often. If they're walking in enough poo to get poo balls on their feet that can't be good for them.

 

[MikasGirl]

I don't think leaving them on is such a big deal we have a couple hens with some onb their feet. I would watch if a toe pecking problem arises, and if it does then you'll want to get those off.

-Cass

 

[Justino]

Quote:
well we change the paper towels at least 2 or 3 times a day, and its at night that they get messy a lot.

 

[purpletree23]

You have to soak them off. If you don't it could lead to leg deformities. How big is your brooder and how many chicks do you have? Are they old enough to switch to litter on the floor?

 

[threehorses]

Quote:
well we change the paper towels at least 2 or 3 times a day, and its at night that they get messy a lot.

You'll want to use bedding now - pine shavings. Paper towels are only for days 1-3. After that, using them can cause problems with coccidiosis.

 

[thecochincoop]

i have had good luck using bag balm to get shell membrane off the feathers so im sure vaseline or something like that would work otherwise it is going to be a lot of soaking. make sure to keep the bedding clean. maybe you need a bigger brooder if they are making that big of a mess.

 

[Chickadee11]

I've just spent 40 mins soaking and picking at toes! All clear now, finally!!