Pasty butt question -- just hatched chick

[JBee449]

Hi folks. Had a great hatch today. Our second round in one week. Almost all doing great, but one little chick emerged with a crusted over hiney, and it looks all swollen and it's got a bit of shell stuck to it. Is that what's called pasty butt? I thought that was a condition that emerged after theyve been in the world a few days. What else could it be? What can I do? Thanks for your help.

 

[Erica]

Hi JBee49,

is it possible some of the egg membrane dried on the vent and locked it shut? That could explain the swelling behind the vent (though it's probably a long-shot).

If so you'd want to gently prise it off under warm water asap, then blow dry the chick (carefully) if you can.

Otherwise I'd suggest maybe this poor little chick has a deformity in this area, or has been injured somehow. I hope you can work it out.

cheers
Erica

 

[JBee449]

Thank you for the advice. Not sure what it was. I soaked her in very warm water and most of it just melted away. I put some neosporin on, and she seems to be all better.