I'm worried that some of my chicks may get pasty butt. They are going off of chick starter but nothing more. They are around 2-4 days old.
The main thing is to keep the vent itself open. The danger is when the dried poop prevents their pooping, which can actually be lethal. And the main thing for that is to keep them hydrated and not too hot. Very young chicks often foul their water quickly, so it may need some attention. Put it up on a brick or similar if you can. It's important for them to be able to move away from their heat source to wherever they are comfortable. If you have some, a little organic ACV (apple cider vinegar) in the water does seem to help. Some also use a little molasses. Also, if you do have to clean a few butts, put a little lubricant around their vent to discourage future poops from sticking. You can use Vaseline, veggie oil, Crisco, even Neosporin -- whatever you have. I found it easiest to clean them by holding their back end under a slow stream of running warm water. It takes a few minutes. If I didn't get every fleck off every feather tip, frankly, I didn't worry about it. It shouldn't be a problem as long as the skin doesn't have any open cuts or abrasions.
Prevent it by stressing them as little as possible and keeping the temperature correct. If they do develop it, don't pull on it (this could injure them). Dip their backside in warm water and gently rub it with a paper towel or cotton ball. Dry them off after you clean them up.
I had a baby chick once that kept pasting up. I was able to cure it and prevent it from happening again by giving them a good probotic in their water.it adds beneficial bacteria to their gut and helps keep their system balanced.once colonies establish inside the gut the beneficial bacteria can actually fight off bad bacteria and keep them healthier.its safe to use daily and young and older birds both benefit from it. The probotic I use is called Probios. You can google probios for chickens and read about more benefits. I order mine online and a jar lasts a very long time! Some tractor supplies carry the small bottle in the poultry area but I recommend the large jar.its under 20 dollars and you can order it off www.probios.com. it is shipped quickly. I've been using it for some years now. It is really wonderful! My flock never has issues with loose stool now. It's really a excellent product . Good for chicks and adults alike. You might consider trying it. It's very good for them. I really believe in this probotic. Hope this helps and wish you the best! !
