Pasty butt

[MrsA82]

Hi everyone! I am a first time chicken owner with chicks that are around 2 weeks old. We got them from a local feed store. I am trying to wrap my head around pasty butt. I've read about it and looked at pictures. What I am seeing with my chicks is poop sticking to their little fluffy butts but it is not blocking their vent area. Is this still pasty butt or only when it's blocking their vents? I have been cleaning them just in case but wanted to clarify. Thanks!!

 

[redsoxs]

Yes, I think when poop is stuck on the downy feathers around the vent, it's not much of an issue. But when it accumulates to where it can block the vent...that's a potentially life threatening condition called pasty butt. I think it's fine you're keeping them clean but probably not totally necessary - just monitor for excess build up. You're familiar how to treat for full on pasty butt?

 

[MrsA82]

Thanks. I have read quite a bit about treating pasty butt- warm water, etc. I will keep monitoring it and make sure it's not blocking the vent.