swollen abdomen..always die

[barb2604]

i have in each hatch a couple of chicks that around the 3 week of age mark..develope a waddle in their walk, followed by their abdomen swelling up as if they cant poop..then they generally die or i cull them. When theyv only had the waddle and the next morning i find them dead, their abdomen near and around the vent in greenish as if something has burst..does anyone know what this is and how to prevent or cure it?

 

[Bulldogma]

I'm wondering if you're talking about chicks getting "pasted up?" This is when pasty poop collects around the vent and prevents the chick from pooping properly. It is deadly if you don't clean the poop off.

Check all your chicks regularly and pick off the dried poop or soak the vent in warm water if you can't pick off the poop. These chicks can be saved if you keep their vents cleaned off.

Please let us know if you're talking about something different.