Question

[cori1023]

My two week old baby chicks have a hard scabby plug over what looks to be their vent.. It does not look like pasty butt as it is just under that area.. I soaked them in warm water and tried to remove the plug. Should I be doing that or should I be leaving that alone?
TIA

 

[Julia62]

That needs to come off! If the vent gets plugged, they will die (they won't be able to poop).

 

[cori1023]

Someone said something about a belly button?
And not to remove it ?
OMG I removed two

 

[newmarch2014]

ok, 2 week old? if so then the "belly button" should be basically off or fine to come off by then. it is usually located on the very bottom of the chick about an inch or so forward on their belly from their vent. The vent is the spot they poop from, and if there is something stuck right under that spot it is most likely poop (grey or brown in color) if it is the "belly button" it will be scabby brown/red. If they are younger than 2 week then just leave it it will fall off later. If it is the poop over the vent or directly connected to it that needs to come off right away.