Babies arrived for a couple first timers!

[rosemarythyme]

Thanks @rosematythyme for the suggestion. I'll give the wet food a try. Did you have her as a baby chick and did you have to separate her from the rest to keep her fed and watered without disrupting the rest of the flock.

I've raised all my chicks from 2-3 days old. No, my crossbeaks so far have both been relatively mild, so no special treatment other than routine beak trimming. I already feed fermented feed in morning to entire flock, so that takes care of the wet feed in deep dishes part.

Your chick's beak will probably get worse but some chickens have done just fine even with severe crossbeak, so only time will tell how she manages with it.

 

[charlotte-and-the-bees]

Wow, the coop is gorgeous! I'd recommend getting some vitamins from Tractor Supply or another feed store. They sell those sav-a-chick ones specifically for baby chicks. Also, make sure the surface they're on has enough traction.

 

[adamthomas]

Thanks for the compliment and the suggestion @charlotte-and-the-bees. The coop a nd run are probably 75% done at this point and I do a little bit whenever I can but need to get it done now that the chicks are here and growing fast.

For vitamins and electrolytes I'm using VitalPack from Meyer Hatchery in the water and Chick Starter Feed with Amprolium to prevent Coccidiosis. I think Im good there.

 

[adamthomas]

The nipple may be more difficult for the crossbeaked chick to use. You'll just need to watch to see how she does with it.

For feed, wet or fermented feed in a deep dish would be easier for her to eat, but expect a bit of a mess. My crossbeak throws food all over her face.

The wet chick feed in a small ramekin is working out really well and the others seem to like the variety as well. We'll just have to see how it goes over the long haul.

I need to research was what fermented feed is. That term is new to me.

 

[rosemarythyme]

The wet chick feed in a small ramekin is working out really well and the others seem to like the variety as well. We'll just have to see how it goes over the long haul.

I need to research was what fermented feed is. That term is new to me.

This is a good read on fermented feed: https://tikktok.wordpress.com/2014/04/13/fermented-feed-faq/ I mainly use it to keep feed waste down as I feed a whole grain mash and it gets stickier than wet feed, forcing the birds to eat all of it. I don't do the full blown process though, I just put water + feed in a large glass container, stir, and start serving it the next day.

 

[charlotte-and-the-bees]

Thanks for the compliment and the suggestion @charlotte-and-the-bees. The coop a nd run are probably 75% done at this point and I do a little bit whenever I can but need to get it done now that the chicks are here and growing fast.

For vitamins and electrolytes I'm using VitalPack from Meyer Hatchery in the water and Chick Starter Feed with Amprolium to prevent Coccidiosis. I think Im good there.

Oh good, probably fine with the vitamins! What do you have on the floor of the brooder currently?

 

[Folly's place]

It's possible to manage crossbeaked pullets, with extra effort, so good for you! Deep dishes are necessary, and wet feed may help too. Watch her weight! It takes handling to tell if a bird is actually thin under their feathers, and that's really important with these chicks. She won't be able to pick things off the ground, and some beak trimming will help a bit.
Good luck with your babies!
Mary

 

[adamthomas]

Unfortunately Penny who had weak or possibly splayed leg had responded extremely well to the hobble and appeared to have completely recovered for several days. She was eating and drinking and energetic but now she is fading and I'm not sure what to do. She is wobbly and can't keep her eyes open for more than a few seconds and is lashing out at the other birds. She will take water if I put it in her face and encourage her but I don't think she is going to it on her own.

I have isolated her, raised the heat and checked her crop for hardness but I don't think she's going to make it through the day.

Will increasing the heat help her at this point in a possible recovery? She is 2 weeks old.

 

[charlotte-and-the-bees]

Unfortunately Penny who had weak or possibly splayed leg had responded extremely well to the hobble and appeared to have completely recovered for several days. She was eating and drinking and energetic but now she is fading and I'm not sure what to do. She is wobbly and can't keep her eyes open for more than a few seconds and is lashing out at the other birds. She will take water if I put it in her face and encourage her but I don't think she is going to it on her own.

I have isolated her, raised the heat and checked her crop for hardness but I don't think she's going to make it through the day.

Will increasing the heat help her at this point in a possible recovery? She is 2 weeks old.

How high is the heat? There's risk in overheating as well. Any other warning signs (pasty butt, watery poop)?

 

[charlotte-and-the-bees]

Another thought - are you still using the poultry nipple? I had mine hanging for a day before I switched it out for another hanging waterer. I just don't think they were getting enough water.

Were they vaccinated for anything? It's definitely concerning you've had a couple decline and pass away - it makes me think there may be something circulating. I'd for sure try to give them some fresh water and make sure they have space away from the heat lamp.