Help please with pasty vent or prolapsed vent

[MaryZoe]

I just got a shipment of 10 day-old chicks from a reputable breeder. Pure bred, expensive chicks. They shipped from Louisiana to Florida. They had no heat source. Not sure if that’s normal for shipping in June. Anyway, they shipped Monday afternoon, arrived Wednesday morn, and now today four of them show differing levels of pasty vent. One, who acts the sickest, looks like she may even have a prolapsed vent (though I’ve never had a chick with that, so I’m just guessing). I will keep treating with warm water cleanses and dabs of Prep H, but is there anything else I can do? I really want all these chicks to live! Any help welcome!!

 

[Latestarter]

Not sure what you're feeding them as the last pic looks like actual grain pieces in the poop... They may be straining to push it out. I don't see a prolapse in any of those pics. I'd say continue with warm water with mild soap soaks and stop the prep H. Prep H causes shrinkage of the sphincter, which could further hinder evacuation of poop.

 

[MaryZoe]

Thank you for your input, @Latestarter! I have read in other posts to use Prep H to help shrink swelling, but I will DEFINITELY stop it if it could hinder evacuation. I feel so bad for one little girl in particular. She strains unsuccessfully. And she is not interested in eating. I tried to get some olive oil in her, but I don't think she ingested any at all.

I am feeding them chick crumbles. You may see some sand on them, as I'm using clean sand as their bedding. Could that be part of the problem? In the past I've used paper towels for the first week and then changed to sand. This time, because I have them in a larger brooder, I didn't bother with the paper towels. Hope that's not part of the problem!

Fingers crossed!
MaryZoe

 

[Latestarter]

I've never done this myself (haven't had to) but looking at your situation, were it me, I'd try it... Take a Q-tip and soak the tip in mineral oil or a vegetable oil (2nd choice) and insert it into the cloaca to lube up the inside and help loosen everything inside for easier elimination. The oil would also help prevent it sticking when it comes out.