Poop on chicks feet...Is this normal???

[Tremogg]

Is anyone else having issues with poop on your chicks feet? I have my little guys on puppy pads which I change out 2-3 times a day but I find I am still having to wash thier feet to get the poop off as I dont want them to get sores. (I think a few of them might have sores already)

Any Advice?

 

[PopoMyers]

I've been using a very thick 3-4" layer of pine shavings in their brooder box, and just stir it every other day. Didn't need to change it in the 3 1/2 weeks they were in there. Oh, and yes, poop on feet? Totally normal. They are not grossed out by it, we can be. Poop will inevitably be on eggs, too, and sometimes caked on their feathers. If these are your first chickens, welcome to a fun adventure.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

I hear you. I use paper towels for about the first week, and then move the chicks (if their feet are strong enough) onto a wire floor. During that first week, though, I'm washing feet regularly in addition to changing the paper towels out regularly.

 

[Tremogg]

I hear you. I use paper towels for about the first week, and then move the chicks (if their feet are strong enough) onto a wire floor. During that first week, though, I'm washing feet regularly in addition to changing the paper towels out regularly.

Ok I am glad to know I am not the only one doing this I dont have a way to move them yet as they arent a week old yet.

 

[Tremogg]

I've been using a very thick 3-4" layer of pine shavings in their brooder box, and just stir it every other day. Didn't need to change it in the 3 1/2 weeks they were in there.

Since they are in my tub i dont have the option to use shavings Im thinking next time Im building a box LOL

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Ok I am glad to know I am not the only one doing this I dont have a way to move them yet as they arent a week old yet.

You certainly aren't. It's good that you're checking their feet and realizing that the poop shouldn't be left on there. In addition to feet washing, sometimes there's vent-washing, too, early on. Plenty of opportunities to wash!

 

[PopoMyers]

Since they are in my tub i dont have the option to use shavings Im thinking next time Im building a box LOL

Maybe tape shut or plug the drain? How many chicks do you have? BTW, they may try to fly out of said tub in a few weeks.

 

[Lor]

You certainly aren't. It's good that you're checking their feet and realizing that the poop shouldn't be left on there. In addition to feet washing, sometimes there's vent-washing, too, early on. Plenty of opportunities to wash!

True! Butts I have had to clean.

 

[Tremogg]

True! Butts I have had to clean.

me too lol

 

[Tremogg]

Maybe tape shut or plug the drain? How many chicks do you have? BTW, they may try to fly out of said tub in a few weeks.

i now have 6 as I lost one yesterday we are getting a bigger taller space mage for them and it should be ready next week.