We got a couple of Buff Cochins and Blue Andalusians a couple of days ago--they were about 3-4 days old. Yesterday, one of the Cochins had a poopy bottom, which we cleaned off as soon as we noticed. Then we had to clean him a few more times during the day. He was eating and drinking, though only a little active (seemed more sleepy than the others). Sometime during the night, he died and, when we found him, he had poop all over his bottom again. My 11 year old son was heartbroken, of course, and had a little chick funeral for him.
What I am worried about is the four other chicks that were in the same brooder--the other Cochin I've had to clean off twice, though he appears far more active and perky than the one who died did. The Andalusians appear to be doing just fine. However, I'm a bit worried that something might have been passed to them disease-wise? Isn't pasty-bottom usually a stress reaction, or are we talking contagious illness here? We watched all four of them for a while today and they have all had normal poops since I cleaned off the second Cochin--so far, so good? How long do I have to worry about them in this regard?? when does the pasty-bottom deal become a non-issue?
Donna
What I am worried about is the four other chicks that were in the same brooder--the other Cochin I've had to clean off twice, though he appears far more active and perky than the one who died did. The Andalusians appear to be doing just fine. However, I'm a bit worried that something might have been passed to them disease-wise? Isn't pasty-bottom usually a stress reaction, or are we talking contagious illness here? We watched all four of them for a while today and they have all had normal poops since I cleaned off the second Cochin--so far, so good? How long do I have to worry about them in this regard?? when does the pasty-bottom deal become a non-issue?
Donna
