Baby quail not pooping?

[lorastorm]

Hi all,
Last night a friend gave me a baby quail; she found it lying in the road around 7:30 pm. From what I can tell, it couldn't have been more than a day old. I'm not sure if it's wild or someone is raising them around here.

I have it in a tote with a 100-watt red bulb, the thermometer inside reads 95 degrees, so I think he's warm enough. I've been working on hydrating him – he drinks well from a paintbrush (I'm giving him water with Sav-A-Chick added, and he seems to really like it). However, he doesn't seem to be interested yet in eating (fine-ground starter mash)...is that normal for Day 2? Could he still be going on his yolk sac?

He's peppy, but can't seem to walk properly (I see from other posts this is not a good sign). He can do a few normal steps, but always winds up on his side/back, kicking furiously.

And finally, the big question -- I have only seen this little buddy poop ONCE. Last night, quite a big poop, greenish/white. But so far, nothing else, and it's 1:30 pm. Any thoughts on how to get his system cycling? I've been giving him the vitamin water every 20-30 minutes. What else should I be doing?

Thanks a million. I realize he just may not be one of the ones that makes it, but I'd sure love to give him his best shot.
Laura

 

[Bramsbirds]

What type of quail is it? I do not know where you live but in some states you can not have indigenous quail. If that is the case it may be better to call your local animal control and have them take care of raising the chick. As for pooping they seem to go when they have to.

 

[veggiecanner]

You may be giving him so much water he isn't hungry. Slow down to once an hour.

 

[Majd]

Hi laura.... so nice of you taking care of this little guy.... a pic would be great... ok try teaching him by pecking on the food... maybe he'll try to eat that way.... and don't give him a lot of water he'll drink the vitamin added water when he's thirsty.... good that he's warm.... if he's not active and sleepy always... I think he's from these that don't live for long. .. sorry...

 

[TwoCrows]

Stop with forcing water on him. Dip his beak in the water and set him down in front of it and he will figure it out. Make sure to crush his food and sprinkle it all over the floor near the feeder so he can find the food. He is probably not eating and thus not pooping. Falling over can also be from not eating or vitamin deficiencies from not eating. As suggested above, tap with your finger on the floor at the feed and he will get the hint to eat it.

Oh...and welcome to BYC and the quail forums!