Pasty butt or umbilical cord?

[muggins217]

Hi, I got this chick about 6 days ago. She had this on her butt the day we got her. For the past few days, I've been picking her up twice a day and cleaning around her vent. I've slicked beneath her vent with Vaseline. On the second or third day of having her, I gave her a soak instead of what I had been doing (soaking it with a wet paper towel or cotton ball) and I got a lot off. However, I didn't want to get too much off because I was unsure if what was beneath her vent was more poop or her umbilical cord. I don't want to get it off if it's her umbilical cord. I just can't tell. I have two other chicks with minor pasty butt. The other chick is just kinda dirty and then the other chick was actually blocked totally for the past two mornings. I unblocked them though. I am really stressing thinking they are going to die from a blockage. Is anybody able to give me advice or tell me if this really is her umbilical cord? I put electrolytes and probiotics in their water for the first 2-3 days and then stopped cause I read they also need plain water. I give them wet "mash" twice a day (soak their crumbl in water). I would appreciate any help!!!

 

[thecatumbrella]

It can be tricky, since both things are quite close together.

Here's a photo I've used for reference (as to the relative distance between vent and umbilical area).

If I can't trace the debris back to the vent, I leave it alone. A clear vent is all that matters.

Your chicks should be outgrowing the pasty butt phase soon. Do you have pictures of your brooder setup? Sometimes if they're overheated and don't have a space to cool off, pasty butt can persist. Do they have any other symptoms, or are they pretty active and healthy?

 

[muggins217]

It can be tricky, since both things are quite close together.

Here's a photo I've used for reference (as to the relative distance between vent and umbilical area).

If I can't trace the debris back to the vent, I leave it alone. A clear vent is all that matters.

Your chicks should be outgrowing the pasty butt phase soon. Do you have pictures of your brooder setup? Sometimes if they're overheated and don't have a space to cool off, pasty butt can persist. Do they have any other symptoms, or are they pretty active and healthy?

That makes sense. My brooder is actually a 45"x45" puppy play pen thing. They're all pretty outgoing and normal behavioral wise. This morning one of the chicks that was blocked was a little lethargic, but I assume that's normal given the circumstances. I still have them on paper towels because it makes it easier to see if they are pooping. Also, because I keep seeing differing opinions and horror stories about every kind if bedding there is. I am afraid they'll eat the hemp bedding or that the pine bedding will cause respiratory issues. It's a lot.
I really appreciate your help!!!

 

[thecatumbrella]

That makes sense. My brooder is actually a 45"x45" puppy play pen thing. They're all pretty outgoing and normal behavioral wise. This morning one of the chicks that was blocked was a little lethargic, but I assume that's normal given the circumstances. I still have them on paper towels because it makes it easier to see if they are pooping. Also, because I keep seeing differing opinions and horror stories about every kind if bedding there is. I am afraid they'll eat the hemp bedding or that the pine bedding will cause respiratory issues. It's a lot.
I really appreciate your help!!!

That's a nice-sized space for them! Are you using a heat lamp or heat plate?

See if you can get "large flake" pine shavings from your local farm store (or Tractor Supply, if you have one). They will try to eat anything novel, so it's best to get them used to bedding while they're still young. Mine have definitely eaten hemp, so if I'm not using it upfront (before they can swallow it), I skip it. You can also start providing "chick grit" to help break down anything they sneak in there.

Also, good call on moving to plain water. Simpler is usually better.