small gray rocks for??? removing poo fuzzy butts???

[Ray]

Hello, I just became a chick dad. I have six 9 week old and four under a week old. I received the complete set up food water and feeding stations. I do not know what the small bag of gray rocks are for? Looks to be a cupfull in a clear bag. Can anyone help? How do you clean off poo balls from the fuzzy buts? Thanks, Ray---

 

[patandchickens]

You might look through the 'raising baby chicks' section of the forum and browse threads that look relevant or interesting, if the chicks ever let you get a moment of peace

The small grey rocks are probably grit, I would guess? which they need to eat (goes into their gizzard) to grind up grain etc. The 9 wk olds can have it, but baby chicks don't need it right away, someone will tell you what age to provide it for them. (Assuming it *is* grit!)

A rag or even just a paper towel, dampened with warm water, will gradually get the poo off their bum (be patient, it has to kind of soften first)... but if you are having pooey bums, use the search utility (in the blue banner above) to search for 'pasting up' to learn more about it. It generally reflects stress or being too hot or cold, and needs troubleshooting and fixing the problem if at all possible.

Good luck, have fun!,

Pat

 

[RendonRoo]

what pat said. lol. I would like to add that when you get poo off their butts be carefull not to pull on the feathers too much. They have tender skin and you don't want to get them bleeding or they will be picked on. Just take your time and it will be fine. Good Luck

 

[RHewitt]

Small grey rocks go in the tray of the waterer to take up space and keep chicks from drowning or getting stuck if the fall in or get upside down in the tray.