HOLIDAY HATCH PARTY... chicks anyone... the party continues....

[Luvmybob]

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aren't baby goats kids???
or is that sheep?

hahahaha!!! Good point---u didn't specify! a kid is a kid----

 

[neferset]

Quote:
aren't baby goats kids???
or is that sheep?

Yes, they are.

We just have the one presently.

 

[mishythechickenlover]

ok here is my dumb novice question all the babies appear to have poop stuck to them ...yet the bedding is covered in droppings????? Should i be concerned or is this normal?

 

[evonne]

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if it's stuck over their bottom, yes worry... but not a lot... just need to give them a warm bath and keep them warm while they dry.. it is normal.. happens a lot.. but if it gets so crusted that they can't poop more it will make them sick and they could die from it.. mine are having poop issues too.. lol...

*edited becasue apparently my acrylic nails are bad spellers...*

 

[mishythechickenlover]

Thank you evonne! What causes it to happen do I need to change something in their environment?

 

[evonne]

i'd guess what causes it is the cute fuzzy but they have... lol... don't need to change anything.. just keep an eye on them... it's something you just get in the habit of doing for the fist few weeks of each set...

at least from what i've ready/experienced....

and the easiest way to bathe them to get rid of it is a bucket... i use one of the little ones that the kids get occasionally for kids meals.. or the holidya ones from walmart.. trick or treat/ easter basket buckets...
anyway... fill it with warm water till the water goes over the chicks back.. they'll try to stretch out of it.. and it's easier if the water just covers the gunky area.. let them sit in there for a few minutes... stay close so it doesn't get scared... and make sure it doesn't drown...
and as soon as you can get the gunk off that's it... i will use a blowdryer on med heat, low blow and aim it just to the side of the chick... or move it around above him pretty fast so it doesn't get too hot, but that way they dry faster... or you could towel dry and pop it back in to dry under the heat light...

good luck... keep us updated..

 

[Toast n Jelly]

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Check the chicks every day and clean off any poop that's stuck to their bottom with a tissue or makeup removal pad and warm water. No need to put the chick in a bath as it's only the poop on their bum that needs to be removed. Once the poop is softened and removed, dry her up in a towel and give her a smooch

on the top of the head for me.

 

[neferset]

*dances around the room*

I had a chick that was not doing well. (Supposed to be November 4 hatching, but everyone hatched early.) He took twice as long to get out of the egg once he was zipped. The membrane at the bottom actually stuck to his fluff, which I noticed when I checked him out. He seemed lethargic all yesterday. I left him in the bator so he could be by himself and not have a lot of energetic brooder-mates. I went to bed last night half expecting to bury him this morning.

I didn't hear any peeping from the incubator when I went to check this morning. I went over to look fearing the worst. I didn't see him. Since he was the last one, I opened the incubator to look.

He jumped out and ran across my counter.

I have a racing chick.

 

[evonne]

lol nef... it was all that !!!go chickie go!!!!!! we all did.. he took it to heart....

and yeah... lol.. that would work with the make up pad or tissue... this time mine had pooped so much and it was pretty crusty and i couldn't get it off without soaking it for a few minutes...

mine are still driving me nuts.... threw a FIT last night.. i put them in a cardboard box and brought them upstairs and they quieted down and were asleep in 10 minutes... silly chicks...

 

[kathyinmo]

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Sometimes it can be caused by too much heat. Check your temperature in the brooder. The first week should be around 90 - 95. If they all have it, that may be why. As far as cleaning them, it is important they don't get it caked on and can't poop. I just soak it with a warm wet paper towel, and it usually comes off easily. Don't pull at it, as it could pull out insides. Gently scrape it away.