Pasty butt gone bad?

[MeatNeggs2012]

This is the rear end of one of my RIR chicks. I noticed the red stuff hanging out after cleaning up the crusted on poo. Is this normal? Do I need to do anything to help or fix her? I've never seen this on any of my chicks in the past. All help greatly appreciated

 

[Cknldy]

Chicks are like babies in a way- they are tough little boogers but can be sensitive too. Be patient when cleaning off pasty butts. I would suggest some triple antibiotic ointment in case it is a tear. It won't hurt your chick and the petroleum jelly in it will help the poo slip away instead of sticking. I once accidently cut the bum of one of my chickies when I got impatient and tried to use my nail to get some dried poo off instead of gently keeping at it with a warm washcloth- I felt horrible! Triple antibiotic ointment was all it needed to heal. (And my apologies every time I was around!) BTW- I have found that 'grease rags' made from cut up cotton shirts work so much better and are more gentle than a terry cloth washrag. Hope your chickie does fine!