messy bottom

[redneckmama]

I have an eleven day old silkie bantam chick. It has poo stuck to its feathers. There is no messy bombs in the coop, just on the rear end. No other symptoms. It eats and drinks with no problem, and there is no breathing issues. Does anyone have any idea what is wrong with the chick and what I can do? Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[muddler6]

I don't have silkies, but what I have done was, if it was a small bunch, I would hold the feather near the base and pull it off, or very carefully snip it off with a pair of fine scissors.

 

[muddler6]

You could also try to soften it up with a warm wet paper towel, just becareful that it doesn't get chilled.

 

[redneckmama]

What if it continues? Any ideas on preventing the mess? This is round 2 of the messy bottom battle.

 

[chookchick]

That is "pasty butt" and it can be a serious issue. I believe it is supposed to be soaked off with a warm towel, but hopefully someone else with more experience will weigh in on it, or do a search for "pasty butt" on Raising Chicks forum.
ETA--Miss Prissy says to wash the butt under warm water, dry and put some vaseline around vent.

 

[Teresaann24]

I have battled pasty butt before and am now with silkie chicks.
My last battle I kept soften it with warm water then pulling it off finally the chicks bum was bald and nomore pasty butt..but it is very serious if not cleaned up can cause them to die.