We retrieved a box full of chicks from the feed store on May 10. Michael had set up a place for them to be warm and safe in the chicken coop. Our weather had been chilly, so two heat lamps glowed brightly.

Then the weather warmed. We neglected to keep a close eye on the temperature in the chick enclosure.

Michael found this poor baby four days after we picked them up. Discovering the cause of death was important due to the possibility of having brought avian flu into our coop. Due to the liveliness of the other chicks and the temperature swings, I first checked for signs of dehydration.

Sure enough. This is a condition called pasty butt. It kills by preventing poop to come out of the chick. I found three chicks who needed their bottoms cleaned. I performed this act of care with a cotton swab dipped in oil. We reduced the heat lamps by one and haven’t had any more losses.