I picked up 8 - day old chicks on Friday. They all appeared the same size and equally vigorus. However, today one of the RIRs does not seem to be doing well. She is always hunched over and sleeping. Even when you pick her up, she does not always open her eyes. When I examined her, it looked like she might have pasty butt. But when I washed her off, it looks more like a knot of umbilical cord (size of small raisen). I left it alone. Is there anything else I should do?? What do you suggest?? Thanks for your help! Cindy
If there is a plug in her vent then you need to remove it. You can do this by soaking her in warm water and massaging the vent until the plug comes out. You may even have to pick it out with a blunt toothpick or tweezers. If the raisin-y thing you see is NOT on her vent, then leave it alone - that's her naval.
