PeckyMcCluckin
In the Brooder
- Mar 22, 2022
- 21
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Hi I am new to this site and to chickens. I have done a couple years of research and prep and finally convinced my husband we should get chickies. I have 8 currently. I think they are doing good but I think I am just anxious for things to go well. I have one that keeps sneezing but no other issues. I checked her nose but obviously they are teeny tiny holes. I had them on wood chips that were supposed to be low dust which means really nothing. I removed cedar chips bc they started to scratch around as they have gotten bigger ( I believe all but one are about 1.5-2 weeks old based on feather development and one that is closer to a week). They seem to have very loose orangeish brown poops when I transfer them to another container to clean the main brooder. I think it is cecal poop bc when I clean the container it has a mix of both regular looking poos and some looser ones. They all seem happy and are eating/drinking/sleeping. When I noticed the sneezy one I took away the chips and put them on like a puppy pad but even with frequent changes it was getting really gross really fast and their little feet and feathers were gross. I put them on a puppy pad and sifted the wood chips and did a small layer to help maintain the poop and give them something to scratch at which they seem to really enjoy. They also have their red heat light. based on who they act they seem warm enough. One seems like her feathers are looking a little ruff but she has her wing feathers and I can see more coming in on her back so I think maybe its just that more are coming in.
My question is am I doing things right? Should I be worried about the sneezy one? None of their faces seem puffy. She is a little bit of a runt. Are there any other signs I should be looking for? Or how do you tell cecal poop from diarrhea? I have them on fresh water and medicated food.
My question is am I doing things right? Should I be worried about the sneezy one? None of their faces seem puffy. She is a little bit of a runt. Are there any other signs I should be looking for? Or how do you tell cecal poop from diarrhea? I have them on fresh water and medicated food.