Chicks won't go in house

[blackdog043]

To get this thread back on track.... How did you make out tonight, getting your chicks in their coop?

 

[Dad]

Explain smell bad...do the birds themselves smell? Are they covered in poo? (Pasty butt?)

Or is the brooder smelling bad and it seems it is coming from the chicks.

Chicks should not smell bad in and of themselves (unless they just had a cecal movement, and some of it is on their feet, then they can smell bad for a little bit).

If your chicks are truly smelling bad, that means they are not healthy. Likely they need the brooder cleaned, more room, and better ventilation. It could also mean some different disease types with coryza coming to mind first (a bacterial infection). You don't want that type of stuff started, so if you believe you've actually got smelly chicks, look for swollen eyes, bubbles in the eyes, nasal discharge, diarrhea, for other evidence of disease...then post in the disease forum at: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures.10/

As to the bath...no chicks don't need baths unless they have really soiled with diarrhea or somehow have gotten into some horribly muddy condition. You could chill a chick very quickly by getting it fully wet.

LofMc

I have one chick who has dried poop on its behind. I think that may be the reason it is smelling bad. I tried wiping it but It only scared the chick. I don't know how to get rid of it any tips?

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I have one chick who has dried poop on its behind. I think that may be the reason it is smelling bad. I tried wiping it but It only scared the chick. I don't know how to get rid of it any tips?

Just gently moisten a paper towel and hold on the poop for a minute or so. The poo will soften and be easier to pick or gently pull off.

Check that your chicks have enough water and that the water is not near the heat source as chicks won't drink hot water.

Pasty butt (what you described) is usually caused by constipation from not enough water.

LofMc