Poopy feather stuck on baby chick, tried cutting

[ForTheLoveOfSilkies]

Using a wet paper towel is good idea, but it's not pasty butt, it's my understanding that it's a feather from someone else stuck to its head with poop.

Yes correct, poop on head

 

[ForTheLoveOfSilkies]

Different chick... I think one has pasty poo now!!!
See pic.. This pasty butt?

 

[ForTheLoveOfSilkies]

Looks like poo stuck to butt, I havnt delt with pasty butt before but I guess I need to wipe it's butt!?

 

[ForTheLoveOfSilkies]

 

[NatJ]

Looks like poo stuck to butt, I havnt delt with pasty butt before but I guess I need to wipe it's butt!?

Wiping its butt makes sense.

If so much poop gets stuck that the butt is completely covered and the chick can not poop, then it is a real problem.

Small amounts of stuck poop are not directly a problem, but it's usually a good idea to keep it cleaned up so it does not become a big amount of poop.

 

[ForTheLoveOfSilkies]

Wiping its butt makes sense.

If so much poop gets stuck that the butt is completely covered and the chick can not poop, then it is a real problem.

Small amounts of stuck poop are not directly a problem, but it's usually a good idea to keep it cleaned up so it does not become a big amount of poop.

I wiped it so vent is clear but tiny bit still stuck to feather below vent I left because hen was stressing, vent is clear though so other bit should just fall off since its loose.

 

[EmmaRainboe]

I wiped it so vent is clear but tiny bit still stuck to feather below vent I left because hen was stressing, vent is clear though so other bit should just fall off since its loose.

If it's hard you can dampen it with a wet paper towel and let it soak, then it should slide right off the feather. You will want to make sure you dry the butt though or others may start pecking at it.

 

[SweetLittleChicks]

Using a wet paper towel is good idea, but it's not pasty butt, it's my understanding that it's a feather from someone else stuck to its head with poop.

oh than.

 

[Shezadandy]

Do make sure to keep the pasty butts clear- that can turn serious quickly - looks small to us ... but remember at that tiny size that's a pretty big poop, so when it can't come out it's an emergency.

Whatever you need to do to a chick, take it away from mom, inside the house, and do the cleaning in a warm bathroom --- where the hen cannot hear it- she won't notice the missing chick if she can't hear it. Baby might do the smoke-alarm chirp, but keeping the butt clear is much more important than a short term stress.

Use a hair dryer (blow dryer) to dry anything that might have gotten wet during cleaning, until it's just as fluffy as it was. Then take the chick back outside to momma hen, and just tuck it right back underneath.

Both will get far more upset if they can hear each other.

It's very important to check under mom (under wings, legs, belly) and cut out any dried poops from her feathers. She's going to molt afterwards anyway- so just cut the dirty spots out.
Also --- change out her nesting material EVERY DAY.

Chicks poop all the time, day and night- everywhere. Their wet little poops sticking to the hen can actually create a deadly situation. The chick poop can act like glue and make a noose that a chick gets caught in. I've had chicks get stuck to the hen by their wing or necks. So pay close attention, especially with that number of chicks (lots of poop). Hens with really soft fluffy feathers are more prone to the problem because the feather spine isn't rigid and will bend.

 

[Shezadandy]

My favorite way to clear pasty butt...

Items needed: Wear a long sleeved shirt. Good quality toilet paper, a wash cloth. Get the water running warm before you bring chickie into the house. Have the hair dryer waiting too.

Least stressful way I've found to do this:

First, pick the chick up with your non-dominant hand. (If you're right handed, pick up in your left hand).

Pick the chick up from above, much like you would grab a computer mouse. Have the head facing your wrist, butt facing your fingers, back is covered with the palm of your hand.

Let the chick tuck its head into your long sleeved shirt- much like being under momma hen, this calms them considerably.

Turn the water on, gently running warm water over the vent. Because you're holding the chick with it's back into your palm, the water should only hit the vent and the area just below the vent.

Once the poop is cleared, set the chick down on the counter on a washcloth. Use the good-quality toilet paper like a little hotel robe, and dab up as much moisture as you can with the toilet paper. Toilet paper is MUCH more gentle on their butts than paper towels (blow your nose with a paper towel - not a nice experience) and more absorbent than the washcloth.

Once chickie is as dry as you can manage with the toilet paper, cover it with your hand the same way you picked it up so it can hide its head in your sleeve- but let it stand on the counter for the blow dry. Of course, make sure the air is warm before it hits the chick. Get everything fluffy again.

If it likes to stay in your sleeve, carry it out that way, then tuck back under momma.