How do you unplug a baby chick

[Alleyoops25]

I have 30 little Crevecours babies, all have been happy and healthy until today. And one little baby is having problems pooping. He has a clean rear end and non of the others seem to have this problem just him . They all are eating the standard chick food from Murdochs , and they are getting grit , and i have been adding electrolytes to thier water. Any body have any ideas?

 

[SpottedCrow]

If they're healthy they may not need the electrolytes...The constipated one, try putting a drop of dark molasses on his/her tongue.

 

[Queen of the Lilliputians]

Just in case I run into this, can you tell me how you know your chick is plugged? How old are they?


Meghan

 

[Alleyoops25]

I noticed it seemed to act in pain and was pushing really hard when i picked it up i looked at his butt and there was poop that wasn't getting past the vent. I got a diapher wipe and kind of helped it out by wiping at it, it came loose ,and came out. I never thought that a chicken would ever have this problem. But this little guy sure does. I have treid the molasses and put him by him self and I havent seen any well you know.

But he is drinking and eating . Oh and its vent looks raw, and swollen. I know this is gross but but it is what it is. I am wondering if I need to add more grit to his diet. I can tell he aint feeling well, but he doesnt looked like he is near death. these guys are about two and a half, to three weeks old .Any way I think I need more ideas, if someone has got them .

 

[aliena614]

do u have him in shavings? one of mine did the same thing she ate a small chunk and it got stuck right at her vent! Poor girl! I got it out with a pair of tweezers but be cautious i had a heck of a time figureing it out! I thought she was all gummed up at first and called my vet who said to give her 1cc of prune juice every 3hrs till she was regular! but after 3 days of that i happened to look and see it because of the swelling! good luck!

 

[dlhunicorn]

those birds do not need grit when they are eating only chick starter...this is not advised and can even cause an impaction.

 

[Alleyoops25]

Thanks aliena614. I will also try the prune juice. I dont keep the chicks in any type of bedding. I have a commercial type of brooder .It has its own heater to keep them warm. and they are on a screen that thier dropping fall through and are caught on the tray below.