Two questions: 1- Pasty Butt 2-sand with young chicks

[Kataloo]

Question 1
A couple of days ago, I noticed a small amount of poop on the backside of one of my then 4-day old chicks. (My favorite one of course.) I thought it was just some poop that got stuck on her feathers, not plugging the vent, so I haven't worried about it. I was watching her today though and it looks like she is trying to "go" but isn't successful. So I used a cotton ball and soaked the poop off. The poop was below what I think is the vent. All other ways she seems fine. I am not sure if I am just imagining the pushing sensation. Do I need to worry?

Does anyone have a picture of a chick vent? I am not sure of what I am seeing back there.

Question 2
I put a dish of sand in the brooder to allow them to dust bathe. They immediately started to eat it. Had quite a snack. Is that OK? Should I leave it in or remove it? Will it help with pasty butt?

 

[Duckopolis]

No need to worry. My chicks had this for about a week. It then went away. They chicks might have thought it was grit, so they started eating it. How much did they eat? If it was a little it is okay.

 

[Kataloo]

No need to worry. My chicks had this for about a week. It then went away. They chicks might have thought it was grit, so they started eating it. How much did they eat? If it was a little it is okay.

Thanks for the response. It is good to know that others have had this and it wasn't a biggie. In my mind, they just ate a little. She is acting so much like the other chicks that I think I won't worry too much, just keep an eye on her. Thanks again.

 

[MySweetChickens]

As long as the chick didn't eat allot of sand he/she should be fine and as long as you cleared away the pasty butt she should be fine.

 

[Kataloo]

It's been about an hour after I cleaned off the pasty butt. Her feather's are dry and I just saw her poop. So I guess no worse for the wear. Thanks all. Do I sound like a new momma that calls the Dr. for every little concern?

 

[MySweetChickens]

No not at all i was afraid my babies would get sick all the time whenever i left when i got back the first thing i checked was the babies.