Next time you post photos select the full size image for all photos. (It doesn't cost anything!) Thumbnail size just doesn't get the job done.
The red vent may just be from frequent washing. It's very fragile tissue.
On the other hand, it could be swollen from straining to poop. Have you observed the chick when trying to poop? Does it strain and peep loudly and rapidly as it strains? How active is the chick? What do its eyes look like? A constipated chick will have very pained, re-rimmed eyes that may be half closed. If this is the case, the chick needs about half teaspoon of coconut oil given directly into its mouth.
If the chick is active, pooping normally, good appetite, don't worry. Just continue to clean the vent, but maybe a bit more gently and smooth on some coconut oil.
I have a 4 day old Barred Rock in my brooder (with my other chicks that do not have any problems) that has had what I thought was mild pasty butt so I have been rinsig it often and she’s seemed just fine , playing, drinking, eating, sleeping- but this time I rinsed it off I noticed her vent is very red and she seems to be straining. Is this due to pasty butt ? I’ve never had any other issues like this. They’re all vaccinated for Merricks. They are on medicated Purina chick starter crumbles. I’ve added Dumor chick grit today. They’ve had scrambled eggs today. They have a heat light Temp 98. I’m probably just over thinking. Not sure? These pictures were taken right after I washed her off so she’s still damp.
