Dirty vent

[Clemsonchickfan]

I'm new to chicks and need some guidance. I've got two little BO chicks that are about 5 days old. One of them has a very dirty backside but the vent is not blocked. I cleaned as much as I could last night with a warm wet rag, but couldn't get it all the way clean. She seems to be eating ok and is acting normal. Should I be concerned? Do I need to get it completely cleaned?

 

[tsmith91]

Try running its backside under warm running water then rub it with a soft dry cloth this worked for me repeat till it's clean shouldn't be anything to worry about as long as the vent isn't blocked

 

[KrysPel]

Yup! The above poster is right, you shouldn't be worried as long as the actual vent is not clogged or covered. If you really would like to get it off though, because it could keep accumulating, or the other chicks (if you have anymore) could peck at it, ripping out the downy and causing her to bleed/hurt, you could soak/run her bottom under warm water for a little bit then use an equally warm paper towel to rub as well.

Also, I found that using two Q-tips both soaked in warm water can help you grasp the 'clumps' once they are softened up and pull it out of the down gently. But that would require another helper to hold the squirmy chick!

Otherwise since she seems to be moving around, eating and drinking normally you shouldn't worry too much! Good luck!

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I would remove it even if the vent isn't blocked. Once some poo gets stuck there, more tends to stick to it and pile up, and eventually it will be pasted over. Best to take care of it before there's a bigger problem

 

[KrysPel]

I would remove it even if the vent isn't blocked. Once some poo gets stuck there, more tends to stick to it and pile up, and eventually it will be pasted over. Best to take care of it before there's a bigger problem

^^ Agreed!

 

[Trischa]

What do I do to see if the vent is blocked? My Isa Brown is the only chicken in my small little flock of 5 chickens that has a dirty backside. She is just started laying eggs about a month ago. We think she has diarrhea. Last Tuesday, it looked like a black line down her back side and now it's filthy. We don't have a vet anywhere near us to take her to. I don't know what to do. I read to add two tablespoons of vinegar in her water yesterday. I don't know if this is serious or what I should do. She's still active, still eats and drinks water and seems to be happy. This photo was last Tuesday - now all the white feathers are grey and gummed up. I hope someone can help this newbie.

 

[peeper89]

What do I do to see if the vent is blocked? My Isa Brown is the only chicken in my small little flock of 5 chickens that has a dirty backside. She is just started laying eggs about a month ago. We think she has diarrhea. Last Tuesday, it looked like a black line down her back side and now it's filthy. We don't have a vet anywhere near us to take her to. I don't know what to do. I read to add two tablespoons of vinegar in her water yesterday. I don't know if this is serious or what I should do. She's still active, still eats and drinks water and seems to be happy. This photo was last Tuesday - now all the white feathers are grey and gummed up. I hope someone can help this newbie.

oh no! you can give that chiken a but bath her poopoo is sticking she will feel better to have clean but this show how to do ithttp://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2014/02/how-to-give-chicken-bath.html

 

[Trischa]

oh no! you can give that chiken a but bath her poopoo is sticking she will feel better to have clean but this show how to do ithttp://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2014/02/how-to-give-chicken-bath.html

Thank you peeper89! We did exactly what it said and she seemed to love it! And she looks great. You would never know she had a dirty vent.