Newly hatch chick - bum

[jtommers]

First time hatching chicks - this chick is a day old and it's has a dark red stuff on its bum. what is it? should i be worried?

 

[EvieChickenGirl]

A dark red spot on its bum is likely a sign of pasty butt.

 

[jtommers]

A dark red spot on its bum is likely a sign of pasty butt.

what is that? and do i need to remove and how?

 

[EvieChickenGirl]

To treat pasty butt, you should first ensure you are examining the vent and not the bellybutton, which is located further down towards the belly and legs.
Use a warm, wet washcloth or run the chick's rear end under warm water to soften the dried manure. Avoid pulling off the dried material as it can damage the skin and feathers. Instead, gently use a cotton swab with a small amount of vegetable oil to help soften the mass before removing it with warm water.
After cleaning, dry the chick thoroughly with a soft towel and use a hair dryer on low heat, held at least 8 inches away, to finish drying the feathers, being careful not to burn the sensitive skin.
Pasty butt is common in young chicks and usually resolves within 7 to 10 days as the chicks grow and their digestive systems mature.

 

[NatJ]

To treat pasty butt, you should first ensure you are examining the vent and not the bellybutton, which is located further down towards the belly and legs.

Looking at the picture, I think that may be the belly button. If so, leave it alone.

Ideas for finding the vent (bum) so you can be sure whether you are seeing the vent or the belly button:
Chicks have a little puffball tail, with the vent right underneath. If you watch for a bit, you will probably see a chick squat and poop something out of the vent. When the chick is standing up, the vent faces backward. The belly button faces down toward the floor.

 

[jtommers]

Looking at the picture, I think that may be the belly button. If so, leave it alone.

Ideas for finding the vent (bum) so you can be sure whether you are seeing the vent or the belly button:
Chicks have a little puffball tail, with the vent right underneath. If you watch for a bit, you will probably see a chick squat and poop something out of the vent. When the chick is standing up, the vent faces backward. The belly button faces down toward the floor.

Thanks. I thought it could be the bellybutton as well, what does it mean if it is? and should i be worried?

 

[NatJ]

Thanks. I thought it could be the bellybutton as well, what does it mean if it is? and should i be worried?

The belly button is where the chick used to be attached to the inside of the egg, and where it absorbed the egg yolk right before hatching.

If you leave it alone, it should not cause any problems. Pretty soon you will not even be able to notice it, because it gets smaller and less colorful during the first few days, and of course the chicks eventually grow feathers over that area.