3 of 10 chicks have the runs :(

[EarthToWitness]

hope I’m posting in the right place, I’ve read similar threads and people tend to say wait it out a few days, see if things improve. I’ve also read (in an actual chicken book ) that it’s advisable to separate any chick with potential disease from the rest. So. Story time:
This started after I a) introduced electrolyte water, which is expired and possibly mixed it a bit strong b) after I used ONE DROP of essential oil in a diffuser in the same room. Now the essential
Oil definitely had an effect, they all got sleepy the 2 times I turned it on. But nothing more. Bounced right back after, and there was no decline in level of consciousness (easily roused) with these napping spells.

So. I removed all variables, back to plain water and the usual medicated feed. 3 sickies in “ICU” brooder and other 7 in another brooder. Found out today they have no vaccinations. These are 2 week old chicks, first time chick owner. Thanks

RESOLVED: The last of the 3 has now had a solid bowel movement, all are to return to the large brooder, together, shortly. I’m not sure what did it, but thank you everyone for the chicken love!! I’ll know what to try if a problem like this ever comes up again/persists.

 

[Peppercorngal]

If the poop is not solid it's telling you something is not right. I'd continue the fresh water, medicated feed and supplement with some treats like spinach leaves, dried meal worms, live meal worms, and scrambled or hard boiled eggs. If a chick were with it's Chicken Mom it would be wandering in the field picking up bugs, grass, etc. Also a little chick grit would be good. Good luck and post photos when you can!

 

[Stephine]

No, no, don’t start experimenting with treats while they are unwell! Regular chick feed, make sure it is very fresh (less than five weeks). You can give Save-a-chick, make sure it is fresh and dilute properly then it should be helpful.

 

[llombardo]

Mine get the runs, then the poop is regular, then the runs. I think it depends on what they eat. If they eat anything other then feed, the poop either gets looser or harder, but I'm seeing it directly related to what they ate.

 

[Peppercorngal]

No, no, don’t start experimenting with treats while they are unwell! Regular chick feed, make sure it is very fresh (less than five weeks). You can give Save-a-chick, make sure it is fresh and dilute properly then it should be helpful.

Well, I have to disagree with you on this one. Pasty butt or diahorrea doesn't necessarily mean they are "sick". It can just mean diet is lacking or disagrees with their system. Giving natural treats such as items they would be getting white free ranging is not "experimenting". It's part of a well rounded chicken diet. My chicks got grass and "treats" from day three. Never a pasty butt, no diahorrea. All due respect, just a difference of opinion.

 

[Peppercorngal]

Mine get the runs, then the poop is regular, then the runs. I think it depends on what they eat. If they eat anything other then feed, the poop either gets looser or harder, but I'm seeing it directly related to what they ate.

Yep, there it is!

 

[EarthToWitness]

Well, I have to disagree with you on this one. Pasty butt or diahorrea doesn't necessarily mean they are "sick". It can just mean diet is lacking or disagrees with their system. Giving natural treats such as items they would be getting white free ranging is not "experimenting". It's part of a well rounded chicken diet. My chicks got grass and "treats" from day three. Never a pasty butt, no diahorrea. All due respect, just a difference of opinion.

I think the point here is that if I add in other variables, it becomes hard to isolate the problem, ie. don’t start experimenting. They did fine on medicated feed and fresh water so we are back on those today and I’m hoping this might solve things. Maybe it was the electrolyte water. Maybe it was the essential oil. I’ve also heard that you need to give grit if they are eating anything other than feed. I’ve also heard grit and normal feed go together, but if on medicated there is no need for grit? I am seeing some hard stools among the 3 culprits, so perhaps there is already an improvement. Still loose ones as well and foul smelling I’m tempted to give it one more day and see how they are before trying anything new. Certainly electrolytes would be good for the water they are losing, Ill go to the feed store tomorrow and get a fresh pack.

 

[EarthToWitness]

Mine get the runs, then the poop is regular, then the runs. I think it depends on what they eat. If they eat anything other then feed, the poop either gets looser or harder, but I'm seeing it directly related to what they ate.

OK. I hear chicks can go from sick to dead pretty fast. At what point should I worry?

 

[llombardo]

OK. I hear chicks can go from sick to dead pretty fast. At what point should I worry?

I would think anything with blood, continued non stop runs. Off colored poop that might be yellow, etc.

I had to treat my duck with blue kote. One of the other ducks pooped purple. I wonder who is picking on the treated duck? LOL

 

[peeper89]

dont try anything else except plain fresh water & chick starter this is what them chicks need!
no oil or electrolyte

look in ur chicken book u reading for type of poopoo chicken have! they have ceca poopoo & normal poopoo that is what kinds poopoos chicken give

chick grit have nothin 2 do with med or no med feed!!!! grit need for grizzard to ground up feed all chicken need grit