New Chick – photo by Nikol Lohr

Continuing on our springtime chicks’ ailment series, this week we discuss the common issue of “Pasty Butt.”  The condition “Pasty Butt” occurs when feces get stuck and harden around the chick’s down surrounding the bird’s vent.  The hardened feces can literally “paste” over the chick’s vent and block the excretion of feces.  If not removed, this condition will kill the affected chick and rather quickly.

Mail Order Chicks – photo by Gord Webster

There are several common causes attributed to Pasty Butt.  In chicks shipped by mail, stress and extreme temperature changes can cause Pasty Butt until they are acclimated in their new home.   Over-heating (usually caused by the heat lamp) is another common cause of the condition.  Pasty Butt is lastly typically associated with diarrhea stemming from either improper diet or viral/bacterial infections.

Vaseline – photo by Get Down

The treatment for Pasty Butt is simple and effective.  First try to carefully pick the clump of hardened poop from the chick’s vent area.  Be gentle – do not pull any of the baby bird’s down out with the clump.  If necessary, use a warm wet cloth to moisten and clean off the clump of poop.  Be sure not to get your chick too wet as they cannot regulate their body temperatures and can easily become chilled and die.  Finally, use a Using a cotton swab to a little petroleum jelly or olive oil around the vent to keep it free from a new pasting.

If Pasty Butt continues to be a problem, check the temperature of your heating lamp and change the brooder’s bedding as wet and soiled bedding can carry bacteria. If those adjustments do not solve the problem try supplementing your chick feed with grit and scrambled eggs.  This will provide the birds with needed protein and help develop their digestive system.

RESOURCES:

• HenCam – Pasty Butt BLOG POST 
• Backyard Poultry Magazine – Treating Pasty Butt in Baby Chicks ARTICLE
• Pet Chicken – What Is Pasty Butt? BLOG POST & VIDEO
• Chicken-Chick – Pasty Butt: Causes, Treatment & Prevention ARTICLE 

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