New chick mom musings....

[Katbec]

Good morning! I received 3 fluffy chicks via post just 3 days ago and wow! do I have questions that google seems confused about!!! I think the girls are different birthdates, because they are different sizes and features. The barred rock is the oldest, and the 2 rhode island reds are possibly a day or 2 apart. One red seemed to have the beginning of pasty butt but with gentle intervention that was alleviated. Is it safe to assume that if the vent is clear and 'winking' at me, then it's fully operational and I shouldn't be concerned about a little mess in the tail down feathers? And in full disclosure as a newbie, I have to admit that I'm not sure what that dark thing is just south of the vent on 2 of the babies. Is that the umbilicus? I'm sure the 2 little ones with the umbilical dangles would really appreciate it if you could educate me about this so I could leave it alone and stop worrying!! And lastly, are these babies supposed to be so quiet? They really only peep when I am around (you would too if you had a vent!). Otherwise they are really content, eating, drinking, even attempting to perch, bossypants....all kinds of chickie shenanigans. Any help you can give me about chickie butts (what is happening to me??) would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[casportpony]

Welcome to BYC! Can you post some pictures?

 

[Katbec]

Thank you for reading and responding!! That's so kind of you!! I'm assuming you're asking for pictures of the chickie's backsides?? THANK YOU so much for asking because when I came in to get the pictures I was not expecting to see the poo build up again. I was able to get it off, so you see damp feathers (my hubby is off borrowing a blow dryer).... I feel sheepish, but this is how I am going to learn, so here ya go: there are before and after pictures....
Thank you for any suggestions!!

 

[casportpony]

When this chick poops, what does it look like?

 

[Katbec]

When this chick poops, what does it look like?

Well, I haven't been able to catch either of these 2 in the act since you asked, but I will keep checking! The little dark one was pooping with a little shudder and then she'd leave behind a plop of whitish, dark green goo. The little red had build up that was both white speckles and dark green. They are only eating medicated crumbles and no treats yet since this is their 1st. week. I have the plain yogurt but haven't given it yet...