The Gross but Necessary Guide to Chick Booty Care
We love baby chicks. They’re fluffy, sweet, and impossibly cute… until you notice one dragging around a crusty blob on its butt like it lost a fight with a raisin.
Welcome to pasty butt—a common but potentially dangerous condition where poop sticks to the downy feathers around a chick’s vent, sometimes blocking them from pooping entirely.
Don’t panic. Don’t Google weird remedies. And definitely don’t pull on anything unless you know what you’re looking at.
Let’s break it down. No fluff (okay, some fluff). Just clear advice—and a few poop jokes to keep things real.
What Is Pasty Butt?
Pasty butt, or “pasting up,” happens when poop hardens and sticks over the chick’s vent (where all waste exits), sealing it shut. This can cause toxins to build up and, if left untreated, may lead to death.
😬 Scary? Yes.
💩 Fixable? Absolutely.
What Causes It?
-
Stress (shipping, handling, too much noise)
-
Inconsistent brooder temps (too hot or too cold)
-
Dehydration (especially after hatching or shipping)
-
Immature digestive systems (no probiotics = poor gut health)
What to Look For
-
A dried or crusty blob near the tail—this is not normal poop
-
Loud chirping or straining
-
Fluff matted or stuck near the vent
-
A chick that seems bloated or lethargic
Vent vs. Navel: Don’t Scrub the Wrong End
New chick parents, take note: Chicks have a healing scab low on their abdomen—this is the navel, where the yolk sac was absorbed before hatch. It’s NOT poop, and it should not be picked at.
📍 The vent is higher up, right under the tail.
📍 The navel is lower, on the belly.
Here’s a labeled photo so you can tell the difference before you go full spa mode:
How to Fix It
Step 1: Stay calm. You're about to wipe a tiny chicken's butt. You’ve got this.
Step 2: Soften the poop
Use a warm, damp cloth or gently run lukewarm water over the area. Soak—don’t yank. Chick skin is fragile!
Step 3: Gently wipe
Once softened, use a cotton swab or cloth to carefully clean off the debris. Be gentle.
Step 4: Dry thoroughly
Use a towel or low-heat blow dryer to ensure the chick doesn’t chill.
Step 5: (Optional) Add a barrier
A tiny dab of unscented coconut oil or petroleum jelly can help prevent re-sticking.
Need a Visual?
Not sure how gentle is gentle when it comes to cleaning a chick’s bum?
Check out this excellent reel from our friend over at Gabble’s GardenShe shows exactly how to handle pasty butt with care (and confidence). 👏
Big thanks to her for sharing real-life chick care in action. Because sometimes seeing it done is way less scary than reading about it.
What NOT To Do
-
❌ Don’t pull on dry poop—it can tear the skin
-
❌ Don’t confuse the navel with the vent
-
❌ Don’t leave them wet or chilled
-
❌ Don’t scrub aggressively—they're babies!
How to Prevent It
-
✅ Keep brooder temps steady (use a heat plate!)
-
✅ Add electrolytes or chick probiotics to water
-
✅ Keep feeders/waterers clean and easy to reach
-
✅ Handle chicks gently—avoid overstimulation
-
✅ Check chicks twice a day, especially the first week
Chick Care MVPs (Most Valuable Products)
These are tools that make early chick care smooth and stress-free:
Heat Plate – Safe, stable, and more natural than a heat lamp
Electrolyte Packets – Hydration support, especially after shipping
Chick Feeder& Waterer– Easy access, less mess
Chick Stand– Keeps food and water clean and elevated
Chick Tray – Perfect surface for quick cleaning or feeding
Want it all in one box? Double-Tuf Beginner Poultry Kit has everything you need
Real Talk: This Is Totally Normal
Pasty butt doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a chicken parent. It happens. The key is spotting it early, cleaning gently, and giving your chicks a calm, consistent environment.
And hey—now you can officially say you've wiped a chick’s butt. Welcome to the flock. 💪🐣
