4 Week Old Chicks Not Thriving

[strawberryfields]

Even though I am new to this forum I am not new to chickens. I have kept chickens for well over ten years now (I keep all kinds of exotic birds here) and almost every one of my birds has been raised from a newly hatched egg.

As stated before, I do not believe warmth or lack there of is the issue. They are kept (as all of my chicks have been kept over the years) in a warm brooder that is large enough for them to run around (and spread their wings, so to speak) and get away from the heat lamp as they see fit.

I feed them a chick starter. Access to grit is provided, but I don't think that is the issue. No treats. Although, I am giving some thought to providing some to help them put on weight.

I posted this because I am also aware that hens can pass on things to their offspring via the egg. I am still trying to research whether or not to worm, so have not done so yet. Like the rest of you, I am hesitant to worm without all the facts.

 

[strawberryfields]

Buck Creek Chickens: They probably were started on pine shavings, but I have not had them on pine shavings here. I have had the chicks for a couple weeks now and their crops are quite empty. I don't feel anything in their crops.

I know that one of the most common issues with chickens are parasites. What else could it be?

 

[mypicklebird]

Their crops are empty? Chicks are usually pretty hungry and usually run around with full crops. 4 weeks is young for worm type parasites. Coccidia certainly, but not worms. Lice/mites can cause weak chicks- inspect for those on chicks and in the brooder at night. Heat/temps you are confident with- so not that. Dietary deficiencies usually show up around 4-6 weeks, as they are using up the last of the vits provided from mom & yolk. So check the expiration date/mill date on the chick feed & if a local mill- consider switching to a commercial brand. If from a bulk bin, get a bag with a current mill date. Consider dropping off a fecal at the vet's. Not all cocci cause diarrhea, but most do. If there is a heavy worm burden, that will certainly show up on a fecal. There are some illnesses that can pass to the chick via the egg- but not that many. Any chance you have bantams mixed with standards? Vitamin supplements certainly won't hurt- good ol polyvisol sans iron is the one people on this forum are most fond of.

 

[Buck Creek Chickens]

I agree, the crops shouldn't be empty. not worms

 

[purpletree23]

Your original post said that you recently acquired them. Did the brand/size shape of food they were being fed change? That is the only thing I can think of.

 

[strawberryfields]

Tonight I brought them up into the house checking for parasites. I noticed that one chick pooped a very white liquid. There may be some parasites involved but the evidence was inconclusive. There were some black dots on the paper towel, so I believe that means mites or lice. I got the magnifying glass out but I currently do not have a very powerful one.