Pasting: What it is and What to do
American Poultry Association · January 2022
Rip Stalvey discussed pasting—often called pasty butt—in newly hatched chicks, poults and ducklings. The condition occurs when droppings adhere around the vent and can harden enough to obstruct it, making prompt attention important.
Common management triggers
Rip described chilling, overheating, dehydration and feeding problems as common non-disease causes in very young birds. He also cautioned that overly concentrated supplements or excessive sugar in drinking water can sometimes make the problem worse rather than solve it.
Clean gently and completely
His practical recommendation was to soften the dried material with comfortably warm water and remove it slowly, taking care not to pull down or injure delicate skin. After the area is clean, the chick should be dried thoroughly.
Look for an underlying cause
If the problem keeps returning, Rip advised looking beyond the immediate blockage. Brooder temperature, hydration and feed quality all deserve review. Persistent illness or repeated pasting can also signal a problem that warrants professional veterinary guidance.
This archive preserves historical husbandry guidance and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis when birds are ill or the condition persists.
Recovered from a surviving indexed copy of the original article. Poultry Showcase presents a detailed archive reconstruction in its own words while preserving the original author and publication attribution.
