We are new to BYC and also to chicken raising. We have four, now 22 days old. We have two Rhode Island Red, one Barred Rock and a Buff Orpington.
I have learned a huge amount on this site, and would compare it to any how-to book out there.
My question is about one of the RIR, 22 days old....seems to have pretty regular problems with pooping. She had poop stuck to her fluff from a couple days old, didn't seem to block her vent pooping more, but we soaked and cleaned it off. During the last 10 days or so she will strain and strain to get her poop out, at least a couple times a day. Her vent always goes back to normal right after, but it can take several minutes for her to get the poop out, and almost looks prolapsed, red, and tender. She fusses during this time quite loudly.
From reading this site I have tried/am using apple cider vinegar, olive oil directly into her, pumpkin, egg yolk and yogurt, oil and water in the mash, sweet potato, apple sauce, access to sand for scratching, Vaseline/Prep H on her vent and gently inside, access to plenty of water, make sure she's not too hot......
She seems perky as ever, is one of the most friendly, flaps around, scratches/interacts with her 'sisters', generally fits In just fine, doesn't seem sick at all.
But is there anything I can do to resolve her struggles permanently? A magic touch anyone can advise? ( she's indoors still, on pine shavings...) (tried to include all relevant info!!)
and Welcome To BYC! Good luck with your move to TN, and with your coop building project and chicks!
