Pasty Butt

[JennMahoney]

I have a 3 week old feather footed bantam, and she had pasty butt earlier. I was able to clean her up, but wondered if there is anything I can to do prevent this from happening?

 

[Celticdragonfly]

I've read recommendations for 2-3 tbsp of unpasteurized apple cider vinegar in their drinking water. Also, that chicks with Mama-hen-caves or brooder plates are less likely to have it than chicks under the red lights all the time. We have 4 chicks, a brooder plate for heat, and have done the apple cider vinegar, and so far, no pasty butt at all. Good luck with your feather footed - I have what I think is some sort of feather footed bantam by accident!

 

[Susan Dye]

I have a 3 week old feather footed bantam, and she had pasty butt earlier. I was able to clean her up, but wondered if there is anything I can to do prevent this from happening?

I wish I knew how to prevent it. I have a Buff Orpington that started getting pasty butt when she was just a 3 wk old chick and has continued to get it. She's going on 3 yrs old now. I did find myself in a situation this winter where it was just too cold to bring her in and clean her up. Then one day the pasty butt was just gone! Don't know if it froze and fell off or what. She has it again now and I'm thinking of leaving it alone to see if it too will just fall off BTW, she's laying just fine. I'll be following this thread to see if anyone more experienced has advice on preventing it.

 

[Ebony Rose]

As a full grown hen? Have you checked her for worms? Could she have vent gleet?

 

[Susan Dye]

As a full grown hen? Have you checked her for worms? Could she have vent gleet? View attachment 1758795

I haven't checked her for worms. Frankly, I don't know how. She, and the rest of the flock, gets vinegar in their water on a regular basis. I don't think she has vent gleet. Her butt has dark, dried poo and when I have cleaned her and clipped her feathers, I haven't seen any swelling or excessive redness.

 

[Ebony Rose]

Can visually check their poop or send some to a lab for a 'float' test. I don't actually test my girls for worms, I medicate twice a year for it instead (prophylactically). Here's a link to a website with all sorts of information about worms in chickens and how to treat them. https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/chicken-wormers/

 

[robcam817]

what's the ratio of apple cider vinegar per 1 gallon?

 

[Susan Dye]

what's the ratio of apple cider vinegar per 1 gallon?

I'm not sure, but I add about 2 tbsp per gallon in their 1 gallon and 3 gallon watering containers. Their large watering trough, I dump about 8 oz. into it to keep down on mildew as well as for the health benefits. Others may have more experience and better advice on quantities.

 

[robcam817]

I'm not sure, but I add about 2 tbsp per gallon in their 1 gallon and 3 gallon watering containers. Their large watering trough, I dump about 8 oz. into it to keep down on mildew as well as for the health benefits. Others may have more experience and better advice on quantities.

Thx Susan. Yes, I've seen varying amounts, (from 1 tsp/qt to 2 tbsp/qt). I'll go with 1 tbsp/qt.
-rob