Protruding vent on a Silkie chick

[ClairDoe]

Hello there! First time mama to chicks. We have 2 Silkie chicks, Betty and Dolly. Betty had a pasty butt yesterday. After gently cleaning it I noticed a protruding vent I just received them 2 days ago through the mail. Is it stress? Should I separate them so Dolly doesn't bully Betty?? Coconut oil? Prep H? Please help!

 

[coach723]

Pictures would help. The chick may be constipated. I would work on getting fluids in, make sure it's drinking well. Take some coconut oil and freeze it til solid and break or cut up into tiny pieces and feed them to the chick. Try to get a tsp's worth in through the day. That will help with constipation. Apply some vaseline/petrolium jelly to the vent with a q tip gently, if it's still protruding then gently push it back in with your finger and hold it for a few minutes. Repeat until it will stay. It may recur when the chick strains, until all resolves. The vaseline will help keep it moist, you don't want that tissue to dry out, and it will also help keep droppings from sticking which will make cleaning it up easier. Reapply as needed.

 

[ClairDoe]

Pictures would help. The chick may be constipated. I would work on getting fluids in, make sure it's drinking well. Take some coconut oil and freeze it til solid and break or cut up into tiny pieces and feed them to the chick. Try to get a tsp's worth in through the day. That will help with constipation. Apply some vaseline/petrolium jelly to the vent with a q tip gently, if it's still protruding then gently push it back in with your finger and hold it for a few minutes. Repeat until it will stay. It may recur when the chick strains, until all resolves. The vaseline will help keep it moist, you don't want that tissue to dry out, and it will also help keep droppings from sticking which will make cleaning it up easier. Reapply as needed.

Thank you! I will try that. I will provide pictures today.
Should I separate the 2 chicks?

 

[coach723]

If you think it's a pecking risk, then yes. If it's protruding and red then it will attract attention, and chicks will peck at just about every thing. If you only have the two, then I would try to separate them in the brooder with some hardware cloth or other wire they can still see each other through, to help with being lonely or separated. Make sure they both have access to a heat source and can move in and out of it. Being too warm or too cold can contribute to pasty butt.

 

[ClairDoe]

Ok, thank you so much. I will keep you posted

 

[Debbie292d]

Ok, thank you so much. I will keep you posted

Just a note to add to the advice given already...I know what Coach is advising can be tough on these fluffy butts, so if you find it difficult to get to, I've used either kitchen scissors or an electric razor to trim the butts and around their eyes for the bearded ones that can't see. It's surprising how they seem to enjoy the electric razor best.

 

[Bawkbok]

We too have experienced pasty butt / protrusion. We exercised all the advice that Coach has provided, but prior to doing that, we gave her a warm Epsom salt soak for about 10 minutes, which she seemed to enjoy. She was fine the next day. Keep an eye on it and keep the area clean.

 

[ClairDoe]

Thank you everyone for the positive advice! I was crushed seeing that fluffy butt in that condition. I will keep everyone posted!!

 

[ClairDoe]

Betty is doing much better. I gave her the Epsom salt bath for just over 5 minutes on Friday and then 5 minutes on Sunday. I've been keeping the area clean. She is still eating and drinking just fine. Thanks again for the advice!

 

[Bawkbok]

So happy to hear she is doing better. Now if only we could treat bumble foot as easily.