Black nails

[Puyallup Chris]

I have 5 quail that hatched in the last 5-6 days. I have been watching them closely because last time, I had to put a few down because their toes were messed up. I have discovered today that on 3 of the 5, there is at least one, but usually more, toe that is black on the end, to include the nail.

How do I stop this and what is causing it?

Thank you for any help.

 

[TwoCrows]

I don't know about the "black toe nail" bit. But feet issues in chicks are usually caused by too high temp in the incubator and or low humidity. Usually the high heat is what does it.

So next time, watch your temp carefully. If you are using a still air bator, many times there are hot spots in the bator and that is always a bad thing. I like to use forced air bators so that the temp is distributed equally.

And don't trust just one temp gauge. I use the temp gauge on the bator, and one gauge inside the bator as well for comparison. If you are getting 2 off readings, then you need to calibrate the bators temp.

 

[Mykee]

Is the black toenail new? If they are walking fine, it could just be coloration.

 

[Puyallup Chris]

The Blackness was new. However, they have all cleared up.