Pasty Butt Confusion

[desertgirl]

Can I put ACV and molasses together? They are at a very perfect and balmy 87 degrees (one week old)....

 

[chicklady63]

I don't know if that's good or not. I haven't tried it myself. Maybe someone else can give you a more qualified answer. I just usually go with the ACV, warmth and consistent butt cleaning.
Good luck.

 

[Forgotten Amber]

Poor DG! I've been watching this thread and *hides head in shame* feeling lucky I haven't had the pasty butt problems. Sorry!

I've read in other posts that oatmeal helps pasty butt. I give my girls a little treat of raw oatmeal and like I said I haven't had your troubles. Mine are about a week old. I have 12 so a small amount in my hand for a treat doesn't really give them much and so it won't take away from them getting the needed starter feed.

My own and untried and uneducated opinion is to give them clean water, no additives. Make sure they have all the feed they could need or want and that it has as few shavings as possible if that is their flooring. Then introduce them to just a few bits of oatmeal. I started out by holding a single oat in my fingers and letting them peck it to pieces.

Of course, keep cleaning their little bums as needed. Then see if that doesn't help. I know from my human kids that we can do too much for their own good sometimes. It makes us feel better to "help" them, but sometimes we aren't really helping. What they really need is less and not more.

I will continue to watch this thread and hope that you and your chicks are better soon!

 

[Autumn Mama]

DesertGirl, I wanted to add:

My DH is the butt cleaner around here!

He does it this way: he fills a bowl with warm water, (test it on your wrist). He then holds the chick in his hand, gently and firmly, and moistens his fingers in the water. He then works gently at the poop with his fingers, until gradually it softens and he can remove pieces. This seems to reduce the friction on their wee bums, that may occur from vigorous wiping or rubbing.

It has been successful each time, and the poop comes off. Another technique, though not tried by us, is to hold the chick bum under the tap. You want a warm temp for tap water under a gentle stream to soften that way. My DH is tall, and thought that the angle would be too awkward for him to work at it. Hope that helps.

Persevere, it can be done. They seem to grow out of it quickly, in my experience...

For the record, my chicks receive the following: ACV in their water (search on BYC for amounts...for your waterer's capacity), chick starter crumbles, chick grit (the smallest type) and warmth...for 1 week olds I went to an even 90 degrees, with cooler spots away from the lamp. The butts all cleared up after the single treatments...

 

[desertgirl]

Well, I am willing to try anything at this point. I did go with the molasses tea today at lunch. So far tonight the girls are pasty free. They seem ok otherwise, good appetites, good attitudes etc. It is just such a drag-not only does it look like it hurts/scares them no matter how carefully I clean them,but I'm afraid that they are starting to hate me.

I'll keep on eye on them...thanks again to everyone for all of the advice.

Maybe we could get a sticky together on pasty butt? It seems like a common problem (I know I've posted more than my fair share-thanks to all for your newbie patience!!).

You all rule!!!!!!

 

[Terri]

i used my fingers too, with warm water, and slowly loosened the fecal matter. i didn't use any oil or add anything to their diet. i just assumed it was from the stress of travel, and everyone is fine.

 

[hikerchick]

I just give my pasty butt a warm sitz bath. He really seems to enjoy it. The poop soaks right off; then I dry him up with a paper towel and hold him near the heat for a little while. He seems to enjoy the routine and always rewards me by pooping. (I can't believe the things that I get excited about these days.)

 

[desertgirl]

Getting the poop off isn't that hard.

But I would rather prevent it from happening in the first place!!!!!!

 

[hikerchick]

Quote:
Oh gee, I never thought of that.

 

[desertgirl]