PLEASE HELP. Something is hanging out of m chick's vent!

[chickedie]

So I recently noticed something tucked under my chicks wing. When I looked to see what it was and remove it, I found that it was still attached to his/her vent. It doesn't seem to be an intestine but I'm very worried.
I think it may be keeping it from releasing feces properly. It is the last chick I have out of four. :C I am desperate to keep him/her healthy. I don't know what to do. I've contemplated pulling it out but I'm afraid of hurting it. I've also thought that it may be some sort of pasty butt side effect or something but when I tried to wash it off, not only did the chick start struggling, but the string like thing did not melt away or thin out. Could it be some kind of worm? Should I pull it out myself? I'd be happy to try and post a picture if that would help with finding a solution. I just really don't want him to die. So please, if anyone knows anything about this, advice would be very much appreciated as soon as possible. Thank you so much!!

 

[Michael Apple]

A picture of this would help much more. How old is the bird?

 

[chickedie]

Not very old. Perhaps only a month of age, he's just starting to get feathers.

However, I'm happy to announce that not long after posting up this forum and reading your reply, I went to check on my chick and found the strange worm like thing gone. So I am happy (and a bit embarrassed.) to announce that everything is better now an it was all just a false alarm, I guess. Thank you for replying and having the intention of helping me, though. I do still have one question, thought.

Would it be alright to bathe him at this age? Or should I refrain from doing so until he's a little older?

 

[Michael Apple]

Do not bathe a month old chick. The risk of chilling is too great. if you need to loosen and remove pasting or dried fecal matter on the vent, a cotton ball moistened with warm water, then gently held upon the vent for about 20 seconds will cause the fecal matter to soften and easily removed. Gently pat the vent with a dry cotton ball, and return the chick to the warm brooder. Pasting can happen from too low or too high a temperature in the brooder, improper diet, coccidiosis, so it is wise to supplement water three times a week with a vitamin-electrolyte & probiotic powder. Avian Super Pack, Probios, are two brands I use. I begin a coccidiosis preventative program starting at around 3 weeks of age. I use Corid 9.6% liquid at 1 tsp per gallon of water for 5 days. After day 5, I supplement water with vitamins and probiotics for 3 days. I do it every 3 weeks until chicks are about 7 months of age. This has proven to prevent any losses to this common problem.

 

[chickedie]

Thank you so much! This has provided some much needed advice. I'm glad I asked for help here. I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't come to BYC.

Also, one last question (goodness me, I'm sorry I've been asking so many.) after a chick has been treated and the pasty butt is cleared up, they will start releasing feces normally yes? When this happens, is there anything I should look out for? Like blood in the feces or texture?

 

[Michael Apple]

Thank you so much! This has provided some much needed advice. I'm glad I asked for help here. I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't come to BYC.

Also, one last question (goodness me, I'm sorry I've been asking so many.) after a chick has been treated and the pasty butt is cleared up, they will start releasing feces normally yes? When this happens, is there anything I should look out for? Like blood in the feces or texture?

Here are some examples of droppings, normal to abnormal:
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=17568.0

Now, the last 4 under the "Normal" category are not normal. Shed intestinal lining is not always normal and can be an indication of an irritated intestinal tract. Sometimes it is diet, sometimes it could be indicating increased population of coccidiosis protozoa.

If chicks are in a comfortable environment (adequate temperature, good air quality, proper diet, enough food and water) droppings should become normal. When chicks are adjusting to feed the first week or two, pasty droppings are common. Preventing the build up of fecal material on the vent just prevents irritation and blockage. When people take it upon themselves to offer "treats" outside of a well formulated chick starter, sugar in the water on a regular basis, ACV, and other misinformation, digestive problems persist. Sprinkling a small amount of finer chick grit in the feed after two weeks of age, giving a little chick scratch can also assist with more firm droppings.