why is there so much poop on my chicks butts????

[Chickiemom1012]

my chicks are ranging from 1 week to 2 weeks old, and they have poop stuck to their butts constantly and some were having a hard time pooping...I put vaseline on some of the butts, any suggestions? I feel bad for the little gals!

 

[debilorrah]

You to make sure to clean it off - it is called pasty butt and it not cleaned off can kill them. Don't pull on it, softened it with a damp cloth and wipe it off. Vaseline should help. Apply the vaseline once the poop is cleaned off.

 

[JewellFarm]

They have pasty butt. This can weaken and kill the chicks so it's important to act quickly. Gently clean of the hineys with warm water. I would actually hold their butt under warm running water to soften it then clean it off. Dap olive oil on the area. Grind up oatmeal, instant or whatever you have, add it to their food. Are you feeding medicated feed?? You may even want to add some electrolytes to the water. I just went through this with my 10 new babies. Some never got it and 2 or 3 had a time until I researched and found out what to do. Hope this helps.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
What she said. A little ACV in the water might help as well. Are you feeding them starter feed? Treats? Are you sure they are not too warm?

 

[chickflick]

Are you feeding them chick starter? No treats. You need to keep their butts cleaned, tho. They need to be able to go poop. If the poop dries up on their butts, they won't be able to go and they could actually die from it. If it's too hard to pull it off, soak their little butts in some warm water and work it off. Not a fun job, but necessary. I don't know why they are getting pasty butt, but you need to keep on top of it and keep them clean. Good Luck!

 

[Chickiemom1012]

thanks so much for the responses. I have been putting the vaseline w/out cleaning first. New attack plan will see where I am at after new approach. they seem to be doing OK in spite of their rears!!!!