Should I clean poop stuck on a chick's butt if it isn't pasty?

[8esix]

I have a chick (a little over a week old) with some poop stuck on it's butt just below the vent. It's only a little bit and the vent is clear (I actually saw the chick relieve itself) so I know it isn't currently pasted up. My question is, should I attempt to clean this or should I just leave it be and keep an eye on it in case it started to paste up? I tried to clear it a bit with a warm damp paper towel and got some of it off, but the rest was pretty stuck on there (again, a pretty small amount). I don't want to needlessly subject it to the stress of a thorough cleaning if it's something that'll likely fix itself on its own. I guess my primary concern is if it can get sick or irritated by having some dried poop stuck to its feathers (and/or little hairs)

If it makes a difference, the chick seems to be running around feeding, drinking and interacting normally with the others.

Thanks!

 

[jorj]

I would try running it under warm water then putting some sort of oil or lubricant like coconut oil on and around the vent.

 

[jorj]

I have a chick (a little over a week old) with some poop stuck on it's butt just below the vent. It's only a little bit and the vent is clear (I actually saw the chick relieve itself) so I know it isn't currently pasted up. My question is, should I attempt to clean this or should I just leave it be and keep an eye on it in case it started to paste up? I tried to clear it a bit with a warm damp paper towel and got some of it off, but the rest was pretty stuck on there (again, a pretty small amount). I don't want to needlessly subject it to the stress of a thorough cleaning if it's something that'll likely fix itself on its own. I guess my primary concern is if it can get sick or irritated by having some dried poop stuck to its feathers (and/or little hairs)

If it makes a difference, the chick seems to be running around feeding, drinking and interacting normally with the others.

Thanks!

btw welcome to BYC!

 

[8esix]

Thank you! And thanks for the advice

 

[MontanaChickDoc]

I agree. Poop attracts flies. Flies lay eggs. Eggs lead to maggots. And nobody wants that.

 

[21hens-incharge]

If it's not really close to the skin a careful quick trim with scissors no water involved will remove it and not chill or stress the little one.

I have a sharp pair of small scissors dedicated to butt fluff trimming.

 

[Jenwisp]

We had a chick like that once. I just sat her in a small plastic dish of warm water to soak and relax. Then I wiped it off with paper towel. She seemed to enjoy the soak. Spa day!