Pasty butt prevention?

[chickenkerri]

Is there anything I can do to help my little silkie chicks? They all have such buildup in their vents and I'm tired of picking it off!

 

[Sassymygirl]

Did you give them a bath?

 

[SunshineSilkies]

Stress can cause pasty butt or not enough room in the brooder for them to get away from the heat. Never pull the poop off! Use a qtip with warm water or stick their little butt under some warm water making sure to not to get their whole body wet. Warm water takes it right off. I use vaseline after I clean their little butts. Helps with poop not sticking. I have a friend that kept pulling the poop off and one time she got more than poop....

 

[Chicken Fruit]

i've heard of people who just pick the dry waste away feathers and all, so it doesnt build up again. Its like pulling hairs out of your skin- its unpleasant for the chicks but solves the build up problem.

I had a chick that even though i wetted its bum in warm water and carefully picked and wiped away the build up still lost all her little bum feathers... I dont like it because now she's bare and it draws attention to her for the other chicks to pick.

I'd use warm water and some vaseline.