Very severe pasty butt

[jordanlen]

We had 6 baby chicks hatch a week ago and they have a VERY aggressive momma hen. So we left the babies alone with her and they all seemed to be doing just fine but we noticed today that one had severe pasty butt. There was a massive amount stuck and it was rock hard. We've bathed her in warm water and rubbed Vaseline in and around her vent. What do we do from here? This is the first time dealing with it.

 

[Mister B]

That's all I do. I would keep a watch on the chick to see if they get the stinky butt again. Most of the ones I have had clean up and then they are fine.

 

[ChickiesNSA]

x2, other than that you can offer a little scrambled egg just to be safe.

 

[seminolewind]

I put oil or Vaseline on their butt area. I snip the down off with the dried poo, as well.

 

[Mister B]

I wondered if I could snip the down off. I inadvertently pulled the down off the rear of one chick. I thought it was wet enough, but it apparently wasn't. She seems to be doing ok, there are some longer feathers poking out of that area now, though.

 

[ronmauldin]

Apple cider vinegar in the water will help keep it from occurring again once you get it cleaned up. I use 1 tablespoon in a gallon of water.

 

[Mister B]

I have been meaning to try that. I am going to for my next batch of chicks.