more pasty butt Q's....

[Elven Dreams]

Was just gonna ask some ?'s about this and whadya know.. here are my answers! lol

I love this site.

I have two of mine with a bit of poop now and then. The other four are fine.

Can I use a tiny bit of plain vaseline under the vent to help the poop not stick? We use it on the foals at the barn when they get diarrhea from the mare's being in foal heat.

Thanks!

***end thread hi-jack

 

[ChooksChick]

Yes, you can use vaseline all over the vent- I'm just not a big fan of petroleum-based stuff (read: granola), especially on little-bitty-tiny creatures.

I'm just wanting to dissuade the crust from forming, and also want folks not to rip it off- I've seen bad results of that.

 

[geetabean]

We had that same problem with a 2 week old RIR, my husband took a Q-tip with warm water and just kind gently worked the hardened poop off. We had waited a couple days hoping it would fall off on its own, but it did not. The Q-tip method didn't seem to hurt the chick although she chirped like we were killing her (it was probably the restraining her that bothered her the most!), but as soon as the crusty poop was off she scampered right off and was a-ok. Oh, and we haven't had the problem with any of them since. *Crosses fingers*

 

[ChooksChick]

Oooohh! I missed the question about stuff...

I dump the whole fuzzy baby into the bowl- it will cool quickly, and don't get it too hot to start! I make it so it seems about right to cover the bum, but it's easy to get wrong, so have a glass ready to pour more water in from a pulled back towel cover if it's not deep enough- obviously starting not deep enough is better than too deep!

They complain a bit, but less than when it's scrubbed at- probably, as someone said before, due to the confinement, and in the bowl, they can move at will, but it's so unusual they haven't a clue what to do. Keep it covered for a bit, but peek so you can see the safety is good. Keep a close eye on the temp.

Go with the calendula-based oink-ment and it should be great, as far as I can tell (sounds like one I would love!!) for soothing and protecting from re-pasting.

It should end soon! It's just sad when they get all backed up, and it can be soooooooo bad if they can't poo!

The little loves need our help, so gentle and caring is what they get from me.

Best of luck!

 

[Autumn Mama]

Thanks, rscrvc!!!

Your detail was phenominal. I feel capable and , gulp, ready to take on my mission! I'll keep y'all posted as to how I do.

I'm really just afraid to hurt the wee thing. This method sounds so fool-proof for success and not injuring it further.

 

[Elven Dreams]

Quote:
Thanks, looking around I don't even have any vaseline here at the house, lol. I do have some plain Burt's Bees chapstick... but I'm wondering if the peppermint in that might 'tingle' a bit too much for a chick bum?

I like the way it feels on my lips but might be too much for the little one! lol

Good idea also about using a QTip.. I've been using a napkin and getting it pretty soggy with warm water and just holding it on the goo at first to soften it and then lightly patting it til it's gone... Gonna try the Qtip thing if any of them have it when I get back from work today.

 

[Jenski]

There are several pasty-butt threads going on this month, so you might cruise through those for more info. . . but the few times I have had the issue with my chicks I just run their little bums under gently running warm water in the bathroom sink. I also GENTLY wipe with a damp paper towel or rag until the poo softens enough to fall off. Dry chick's bum off, pop them back in the brooder, and you're all set.

And yes, there are folks on the forum who have reported injuring their chicks by ripping off the hardened poo. If the blockage is severe you can pull out part of the intestinal tract.

If you are having problems with pasty butt, and you are confident you are feeding proper chick feed and sufficient water, you might check your brooder temperature. Pasting up can be caused by brooder temps that are too hot or too cold.

Hope that helps. Good luck!

 

[Elven Dreams]

Came home today and the two that had it the past two days are nice and clean now!

Hopefully they will stay that way!!

 

[Jenski]

Good deal! Sounds like things are working out.

 

[Elven Dreams]

YAY well only one had a tiny bit of poo this afternoon, but I caught it while it was still semi moist..

I think he/she is getting sick of me wiping its butt! lol