BW quail chicks dying, dont know why havent had this happen in 5 years

[randyandmegs]

I scanned the report to my computer if anyone would like to read it. Just shoot me a message with your email address.

THANKS ALL!!!!!
Randy and Megan (SOON TO BE SMITH)

 

[AK_Button_Mama]

Quote:
Bleach only works when its diluted properly if you have 1 cup in a gallon of water it might not be strong enough to kill bacteria off. (might have to much bleach- or too little, it helps to know what your trying to kill off).. it works by breaking the cell wall down and flooding the cell with water. here is a quote from eHow:

The combination of hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion is a reaction called "free chlorine." Both of these substances attack the microorganisms and bacteria in the water by going after the lipids in their cell walls and destroying the enzymes. As they destroy the structure inside the cells the chemical compounds leave the bacteria cells oxidized, which kills the cell, leaving it harmless.

also check out this clorox website: http://www.factsaboutbleach.com/bleach_public_health.html

I am by no means pushing a product cause I dont use bleach as a cleaner. I use vanodine. and it works GREAT!! plus I dont have to worry about fumes hurting my animals. All I am saying is make sure that your using your disinfectant properly cause you could be giving your self a false sense of security!

 

[Rachelj07]

I'm glad you figured it out! Best of luck!!

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Amprolium is not an antibiotic; it prevents absorption of thiamine, which coccidia need to live.

The bacteria your birds were infected with is an enterococcus, as was stated in the first line of your report. Here is a link to a discussion on enterococcus in the Merck Veterinary Manual.

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/202200.htm&word=Enterococcus

Easiest treatment is probably gallimycin in the drinking water (erythromycin). I'm not aware of a penicillin that mixes in drinking water. The Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole requires a prescription.

 

[BobDBirdDog]

I am commenting as to bookmark this page as it is an old but very useful page.

However To add to comments (even though the cause was as bacteria) I would like to point out the bad of sawdust or shavings.

First off, I know I will catch holy XXXX from those that do this and have success; but just as some report good results there are an equal amount who do not claim success. Such 50/50 chances is better not gambled! Would you live in a house that some people claim to be okay while others claim it was the cause of unexplained deaths many to their family members?

IMHO....A brooder should never (NEVER) contain SAW DUST OR SHAVINGS of any wood! Most borders are already made of wood and you cannot help that but here are the problems with dust and shavings in a brooder.

Heat, moisture, and bird crap/aka poop!
Heat- There is noting like heat to boost the growth of bacteria. While we must apply heat, it is a necessary evil! Ever noticed that most every organism grows better in warmer temps?
Moisture- just about every living organism has to have moisture/water to sustain life. 1 droplet of Moisture can sustain 1000s of bacteria of different types. In short moisture will contribute to the spread and promote growth of just about any bacteria you will encounter. Combined with Heat it is an bacterial environment waiting to incubate if not already!
Poop- Okay, lets face it! We all know is not clean and it promote a host for bacteria, viruses, and other bad things of all sorts. Mix with moisture and heat and give it 8 hours and see what you cook up for dinner! Think about a public toilet in your kitchen or right beside the drinking fountain!!!!!!!.

Saw dust/shavings -
Lest combine the above with dried wood shavings or dust!
Either of these two will retain moisture even if it is Klein dried or not! Dry stuff sucks moisture in and a 1 cubic inch of shavings can absorb about 2 table spoons of water easily and remain damp for days.

Dust looks like feed to a chick that only knows to peck in order to rid itself of a hunger AND CHICKS WILL EAT IT! Chicks commonly peck to the ground (at their feet) not a bowl or container and will usually go for the ground first as it is a natural instinct. Chicks are not aware of the (lack of) protein levels in saw dust...not to mention the natural resins or other.
Shavings are flat thin shred's of wood about a 1/2 inch wide and some of the finer shavings look like hair, some unknown small white or brown worm, or maybe a dried up blade of grass. If another chick steps near the shaving causing it to move, or if the chick just happens to see it...... it will peck and attempt to or eat it.
Even clean, fresh Shavings or dust have hidden dangers. If the chick eats dry shavings or dust and then drinks, it will absorb and swell in the chick. I imagine it is harder to digest than a crumble of meal or insect and will cause lack of feeding, thus the chick starving itself to death.

Mix in poop, moisture and heat and give it 8 hours of absorbing into saw dust or shavings.....its a brown yummy color that looks like a worm or feed, soft too!

Well, there you have it for your consideration......BTW, I have a 3 cubic foot bag minus 1 scoop as it does not burn that well.

Over the period of 1- 4 weeks of shavings or dust in a brooder, you will always have a good mess to clean and it will be sure to contain all of the above and more. Who knows maybe even a few hatched fly eggs, or a rotten caucus of a chick that was covered over with shavings or dust!