Baffled by my Seramas

[elmo]

I wouldn't trim a beak unless I noticed it was causing the bird a problem with eating. If you're giving scratch, are you also offering grit? The other thing to think about with a bird housed indoors is Vitamin D supplementation. Although, if you've only had them indoors a short time, it isn't likely they would have developed a deficiency so soon.

Your hen may not be laying because of lack of light, though.

 

[Chickenaddict]

I wouldn't use DE as your source of getting rid of the mites as that is only used as a preventative. I mix half gamebird feed to half layer crumbles for my seramas and they do great with that. I also give them scrambled eggs about 2-3 times a week and offer oyster shells/grit free of choice. Are they getting enough sunlight? That could also be why they are pale. They love the scratch around in pine shavings and also use their bedding for dust baths. Bloody diarhea sounds like it could have been a touch of cocci?

 

[ogr8ys1]

I've been trying for the last hour to post a picture - but in comparing photos in the past of these two and the ones today their combs are very very pale - other than parasites what could cause anemia? How can I boost it??? Also, they're house right next to a large window but I did cover it with a sheet as I was afraid of drafts - I'll remove that and go back to the heat lamp - the beak is pointed over the bottom noticeably, so I will file it a bit and see how we make out. What about using a cuttlebone for this purpose?? Thoughts? I'm scrubbing down their cage now and will replace bedding with newspaper and a lighter layer of shavings (had been using the deep litter method) - thanks again.

 

[ogr8ys1]

I didn't see any mites/lice on them, so do you think it's safe to dust w/DE just to be safe? What would you use for mites? What about those things you hang in the house near bird cages to prevent them? Anyone ever use one of those??

 

[Chickenaddict]

What I use is ivermectin pour on for sheep and cattle. The dosage I use for my seramas is 2 tiny drops at the back of their neck. This will not only cure your mites if they do have them but it will also worm them... 2 birds with one stone

as far as the beak goes I use a toe nail clipper for their nails and beaks just taking a tad bit off. You could use a concrete brick or cuttlebone as a natural way for them to sharpen their beaks. I wouldn't worry about drafts when they are in the house, they need alot of light especially over winter months when sunlight is in short supply this will also help them lay better. I am in frigid MN and I have one of my tiniest hens running around in my garage where their coop is built in to. The garage area is not heated but the coop is and is kept at 50-60 degrees and they are just fine. I think there is a sticky somewhere about how to post pics here, I'll try to dig that up for you

DE is fine as long as you see no trace of the mites, try checking them at night because thats when the mites come out in full force to feed on the chickens, you will notice them around their vents the most.