4 day old chick trouble with pooping

[tjo804]

I would do just the chick starter feed.
I ferment mine always and have never had bottom issues.

But if you are not fermenting the feed I would add a probiotic to the water and some nutri drench every other day.

 

[aart]

Quote: Yes, probably just checking basics.
If it's only one having problems it's likely from genetics or incubation issues.

 

[DiamondSwan]

It would still help some to have wire mesh for the poop to fall through, it kept my chicks clean and smelling good. I don't think Wal-Mart has it through, at least, not that I've seen. We got some from Tractor Supply and stapled it to some trim, thin side down, the stuff you use for baseboards in your house. You can get it at Lowe's, or Home Depot.

 

[tjo804]

I brood mine in my bathtub with grass clippings. and some fireplace logs for roosting.

 

[ambe0487]

I have not been cutting off the light at night. This week I was going to switch out my heat light for an heat lamp so that there is more darkness time. I was finding the heat lamp was not producing sufficent heat for the first couple weeks. I do fermented feed for my ducks but I have not thought about doing it for the chicks yet. Anything different with little checks versus full-grown ducks?

 

[tjo804]

just ferment the chick starter like you do the duck food. don't add anything special.
Since you already do it should be easy peasy!

 

[tjo804]

For the heat lamp just Raise up for cooler temps and lower closer for higher ones.

 

[ambe0487]

For the heat lamp just Raise up for cooler temps and lower closer for higher ones.

I was having a hard time with the ceramic heat lamp achieving a warm enough temp for the first 2 weeks. Now it should be okay. I'd prefer the one with no light so they some dark time.

 

[tjo804]

If you are using a red bulb that is simulated darkness.
They use it for reptiles in zoos so the nocturnal animals are awake for the customers.

 

[aart]

It would still help some to have wire mesh for the poop to fall through, it kept my chicks clean and smelling good. I don't think Wal-Mart has it through, at least, not that I've seen. We got some from Tractor Supply and stapled it to some trim, thin side down, the stuff you use for baseboards in your house. You can get it at Lowe's, or Home Depot.

Where does the poop fall to?
What size mesh do you use?

Quote: I didn't have much luck with the ceramic heater either, just didn't give a wide enough range of heat over a big enough area.

Tho I still use a 60W red incandescent light(controlling heat output with a dimmer extension cord),
during the first couple days to observe the activity and health of the chicks(only during the day),
I've settled on using this for chick heat:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/pseudo-brooder-heater-plate