Monitor for Pasting Up

Check each chick's vent (the opening beneath the tail) daily for the first two weeks. Pasting up occurs when dried droppings seal the vent shut, blocking waste elimination. If detected, hold the chick gently and soften the dried material with a warm, damp cloth, then carefully remove it without pulling skin or down.

Why It Works

Pasting up is fatal within 24–48 hours if untreated because the chick cannot excrete waste. It is typically caused by temperature fluctuations, shipping stress, or dehydration. Daily vent checks catch the problem early, and correcting the underlying cause (usually brooder temperature) prevents recurrence.

Tips

• Apply a small amount of coconut oil or vegetable oil to the vent area after cleaning to prevent re-sticking
• If multiple chicks paste up simultaneously, check brooder temperature — it is likely too hot or too cold
• Ensure chicks are drinking adequately, as dehydration increases pasting risk