Help: My chick's pooper is clogged

[WestCoast Hen]

Poor chick, she's not moving much and her poop is dried to her butt. How far should I go to tear it off? What's the best way?

 

[nurse_turtle]

Warm water with mild soap and a soft toothbrush. Time for a good bum washing.

 

[Amy S]

Great advice.

 

[LotsaFarm1lot]

We have had chickens just since November and I just had my first "chicken bottom" washing experience this weekend! One of the Silkies looked so uncomfortable. Upon closer inspection, I found that her soft fluff just under her tail that had just looked "dirty" a few days before before had become bound up and she had a large hard ball hanging under her tail. Ouch!
Based on advice I read on other parts of this site, I held her backside in a bucket of water (she was surprisingly obliging and tried to help perch on the rim!) and then alternated soaking and working that mass loose. I was concerned about pulling feathers and did not want it to tear off, so I just used my (gloved) fingers and eventually worked it loose. The toothbrush is a good idea - I'm going to try that next time. If my DH had been home to help I may have tried cutting some of it off, but the soaking eventually got it off and she must have felt much better!

Now I know ... I have to add "bathing chicken rumps" to my list of backyard farm chores!

 

[Kagu]

OKay, i just need to vent for a second if you dont mind


WHY DOES EVERYONE SOAK THEM IN WARM WATER? IF YOU DONT SOAK IT IT WILL RIP OFF AND NOT COME BACK! I UNDERSTAND IF ITS REALLY BAD BUT STILL...

okay sory had to vent, butthey gave good advice

 

[shober]

I have used tweezers to break up the little poop balls. Along with the warm water and soap. It works every time!!

 

[WestCoast Hen]

Oi, emergency bum clean up done for tonight. Of 11 chicks, 3 needed it and badly. Oh, I hope they make it. Last year I got my first batch of 12 day old chicks and never went through any of this. I'll go at it again tomorrow.
Thanks again everyone. I also posted same issue on the emergency forum and got great response.