Pasty butt/sticky bottom is a common condition in newly hatched chicks. It is characterized by soft droppings sticking on chick’s vent, harden and seal the vent. This condition may become life-threatening to the chick if not corrected.
Here are the reasons chicks get a pasty butt:
Chilling is one of the causes of pasty butt in young chicken. Chilling is caused by giving cold water to dehydrated chicks as their first drink. Pasting is less likely to occur if the poultry farmer gives clean water within a temperature range of brooding (35-38 degrees Celsius). Chicks should also be well hydrated before they begin feeding on chick marsh feeds. Addition of vinegar to drinking water will help to reduce pasting.
High temperatures above brooding temperature also result in overheating which contributes to pasting. The room for chicks should be well ventilated to allow air circulation.
Improper feeding of chicks is another cause of pasty butt in newly hatched chicks. Poultry farmers are advised to feed newly hatched chicks only on starter rations designed for this purpose. Certain feeds derived from soybeans have been associated with triggering pasting. Farmers are advised to switch to better quality starter ration to solve pasting.
Poultry farmers are advised to clean up droppings before they dry up and plug the vent. Cleaning is done by gently running warm water over the butt the remove the dropping using your fingers. It should be done carefully to avoid tearing the tender skin of the chick. After cleaning up, dry the chick by placing it in the sun.