Mineral oil, is it safe?

[MattalynsBarn]

I have a chick that is having trouble pooping and we'd like her to drink some mineral oil, is that safe?

 

[elmo]

No! I wouldn't try that. What exactly is the problem? Is it pasty butt?

 

[MattalynsBarn]

It is not pasty butt. her vent is not blocked, she is able to poop, but she trills loudly when she does and it's hard for her to poop. She's smaller than the other chicks, but just as active. It seems like her vent is swollen or something, but it's not red.

 

[Imp]

I've read lots of posts here, and never one about giving chicks mineral oil. Sounds kind of wrong, but I don't know why, and I know that is not a very good answer.
I have read that when chicks drink a lot of water they get diarrhea. Could increase its water intake a little. Probably can't force it to drink more, but maybe giving it foods like watermelon, grapes etc.
All in all I think I would wait a few days and see if it outgrows it.
Also if the vent is swollen could you post pix. Maybe you could lube up the vent.

There are solutions for chicken laxatives using molasses, epsom salt, or caster oil, but I think they are used for flushing a chicken of toxins, not so much constipation.

Good luck and keep us informed of how it goes,

Imp

 

[MotherJean]

No. Mineral oil strips essential vitamins (like C) from the body. Purchase cod liver oil. It works as both a laxative and as a vitamin supplement.

 

[dichotomymom]

No, it should never be ingested.

 

[Dora'smom]

If she is trilling loudly, and it seems difficult for her to actually expel the poo, you might consider a few drops of warmed olive oil in her vent. We have done that when one of our hens seemed to have difficulty laying. We just drew it up in a needle-less syringe and warmed it in our hands. my husband held her with her rear tilted up a bit, and I dripped it in. The point was to lubricate only, and to do it as gently as possible. If you are looking for a laxative, the suggestions already mentioned are good ones.