1 week old chicks not eating !!!!

[MotherJean]

You're in Florida. What's your weather like right now? Thought everyone out East was suffering with a heat wave. If that's so, maybe only give them the brooder heat/light when you see them crowding together like they're chilled. As a dietary boost, you could add a couple of droppers full of Polyvisol vitamins to their water and 1 tsp. of apple cider vinegar to a gallon. If I suspect a chick or chicks are not eating, I will made a soft mush of their crumbles with some warm water. Most chicks really love that wet mush.

 

[Pidgey104]

temps right now is probley in the upper 80s. I will try giving them some mush. never thought of that. I thought about feeding some of the weaker one some Kaytee baby bird food would that be okay?

 

[mypicklebird]

I would recommend getting a thermometer (or 2)- so you can see what the temps actually are. They could be too hot or too cold. You can also tell by behavior (huddling, peeping, panting ect)- but sick chicks don't always behave normally. First week 90-95, then drop it by 5 degrees per week.

What kind of chicks are these?

Where are they from?

Why are you feeding the high protein game bird? Are there meaties or game birds in there?

Have you inspected them closely for mites/lice (if these are straight from a hatchery into a new brooder- this is not likely)

Any soil exposure, or were they from a home/farm? Coccidia is a very common problem in young birds- and as they are on game bird start, they will not be getting any protection from medicated (amprolium) feed.

 

[Pidgey104]

I have hatched them my self

I have BBS Opringtons
Polish
Polish mix
Bantam cochins
BLRW

I do have one yellow phesant in with them. I feed them the gamebird grower because I ahve not trusted the chcik starter down here I ahve gotten a bag one time and it killed every baby goose I had

. I know thye are not to cold because they will be alover in the brooder. They might be getting a little hot thats way I moved the heat lamp away from them today.but the ones tahts die usally are found under the heat lamp.

 

[AriRashkae]

I wish I could help.

 

[mypicklebird]

If you bought medicated chick start and fed it to goslings, the medication that is in proper amounts for chicks- is likely what made your goslings sick. It is fine (and good in many instances) to feed to baby chickens- that is what it is for, but supposedly waterfowl can easily overdose on the amprolium. If you stick to feeding rations to the species they were formulated for- you should not have problems with deficiencies or overdoses.

But, I don't think the gamebird start is making them ill, but if they have coccidia- it's lack of amprolium may be why they are ill & not getting better.

A thermometer is an important part of a properly set up brooder, it is still a good idea. You think they are not too cold, but you do not know for sure. If you get one now, you will have it for now and the future.... you will also know if they are too hot. If they are 100 or over, that could certainly be the problem- dehydration & overheating.

Have you checked for lice yet?


Quote: