Bought 2 chicks from feal market and now I'm worried it wasn't a good idea! Please help!

[jessicaanne85]

I'm sure it's advisable to never purchase chickens from a flea market, but I live in a farm community and decided to take the risk. I may have made a stupid decision and need some advice if anyone can help. I purchased 6 chicks from the farm store a few weeks ago and they have all been growing at a great pace and appear to be healthy. Today I purchased 2 from the flea market and being a new chicken owner, didn't really know what I should be looking for. Some of the chicks were missing feathers on their backs, but I asked the guy about it and he said he it was just from their fuzz falling out and their feathers coming in. I'm worried that it is from mites or lice, though. Or could it be something even worse? Or am I overreacting? Should I treat all of my chicks for mites just to be sure, or should I give them a few days to see if their feathers grow back? I'm totally regretting buying these now and I'm so worried that they are going to make the rest of my flock sick! If anyone has suggestions or advice, please help! Thanks so much!

 

[kellysmall87]

I'm no expert but I suspect mites. When fluff comes out and adult feathers come in, they aren't balding, they just develop together. I would treat all for mites personally.

 

[silkiesnseramas]

I have been to look at chickens before and another cause can be overcrowding and too little feed in the brooder. Under those conditions the chicks will pull out the feathers on the others backs. You can get a flashlight and look for little bugs crawling in the feathers and look really good around their vents. If they do have mites, get some seven dust and just put a little sprinkle under their wings and make sure they do not breathe it in. You should keep them separated from your other little chicks for many weeks to make sure they are not ill with anything that may affect your first little flock.

 

[DMRippy]

Some breeds are slow feathering. I have lots of bare chicks. Lavenders, Marans, BR and SLW.... slow feathering can be a good thing or bad. In BR and SLW it means better barring and lacing. Lavender and marans..... not as good.

 

[jessicaanne85]

Thank you everyone for the replies! The two new ones are supposedly RIR, but again, the guy could have sold me turkeys and I'd have no idea

I have checked them for mites and lice and I can't really see anything on them. They are still in a brooder, so I just cleaned it out with vinegar today and changed all the bedding. They haven't been in the coop yet. I will keep an eye on them and if I see anything I will try the Seven.

Is there another illness/disease I should be concerned with? They are all eating and drinking normally.

 

[Suzierd]

I would keep them in quarantine for at least a month and watch for any Respitatory illness bubbles in the eyes runny nose rattles when breathing or any limping or problems with legs.
If you feel they are healthy after a month is up put one or two of your birds with them and watch to see if they get sick for a week or two. Then if no one is sick I would feel safe to put them together. I would never buy from a flea market again. They can be carriers of something and show no signs. Hope all goes well.

 

[sharol]

I would keep them in quarantine for at least a month and watch for any Respitatory illness bubbles in the eyes runny nose rattles when breathing or any limping or problems with legs.
If you feel they are healthy after a month is up put one or two of your birds with them and watch to see if they get sick for a week or two. Then if no one is sick I would feel safe to put them together. I would never buy from a flea market again. They can be carriers of something and show no signs. Hope all goes well.

x2

 

[jessicaanne85]

Thank you! I have been keeping a close eye on them and so far so good. I see no signs of any bugs, the feathers that were missing are coming back in nicely, and they are eating and drinking normally. Hopefully I have a case of beginner's luck!