Pasty Bottom... Is there a cure??

[ChickLover98]

Little Chicklet had pasty bottom from the start, but its not going away no matter how much we clean her. How do we get rid of it? Will she be able to lay as an adult? Please help!

Thanks in advance!

 

[luckyclucker]

Boy, is this a subject I know a lot about. I've had 3 batches of chicks and in each batch there are at least 3 that need constant butt cleaning for the first 3 weeks. Yes, 3 weeks. It doesn't seem to be a particular breed, either. I've had silkies, Polish Crested, Golden Laced Wyandottes, & Giant Cochins all needing frequent cleanings. They will get over it, although some never seem to be particularly clean in the hind region. All of mine lay just fine. Just a note for down the line, you ALWAYS need to check their vent regions. When they are older with "pasty butt" it could be several important issues-- like mites or lice. Don't let that stuff surprise you, it is quite nasty.

 

[Chicks_R_us]

You can mix a little yogurt in their chick starter and it should clear up, just keep cleaning the bottom til its gone.

 

[TeamChaos]

Also, putting a little lotion on the area has helped keep clean up on mine to a minimum. I used a burt's bees chapstick (which is labelled and hidden, as to never ever be used on human lips again) on my last few pasty butts.

 

[DancingHen]

I have found that the yogurt idea (plain yogurt) helps. It helps them to develop good enzymes/probiotics in their digestive tract. Also, if you give them clean sand or chick grit it can help a lot in aiding their digestion. They don't need grit to digest chick feed, but offering it to them seems to help them digest it better. Use clean sand, grit specifically for chicks, or granite chicken grit you put in a bag and smashed up with a hammer to make it tiny. Another strategy I have had a lot of luck with is to take old fashioned rolled oats (human grade from the store) and run it through a blender dry. Into tiny pieces. Then I mix this into their chick feed at about 10% ratio to the feed. I don't know why it helps, but it really does. It's a tip I read in a book. Hope that helps. Just keep cleaning them and it will get better as they grow.

Oh, but don't give them the blended oats unless they have grit or sand, as they do need grit to digest the oats.

 

[ChickLover98]

Thank you! i'm gonna try the yogurt thing (weve got a stockpile) and some lotion (also, weve got lots) first. I'll try and get back to you guys. The poo is getting stuck and shes got no feathers on her bum. Her belly looks a bit enlarged too.

 

[Chihuahuamom444]

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[ChickLover98]

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I am now reluctant to put my Burt's bees on my lips!