Can I dose everyone?

[SemiSweet2391]

Two of my chicks are having balance issues. They are sitting down/walking on their hocks, and one has to use her wings for balance. They can stand but shuffle around.

Researching here, it seems that giving Vitamin B complex, electrolytes, and a bit of Vitamin E for good measure is the right course of action. The catch is I'm going to be having a baby soon (I know I know, why did you get chicks?? Well I couldn't help myself. They are so cute. Sue me). I'm trying to get all of them independent so they won't need such careful monitoring while I'll be otherwise occupied. Can I dose all the chicks with these vitamins in their water, or is that a bad idea?

 

[EdgeC]

My only concern is the salt content of the "electrolytes" but... guess it all depends on how long. Any reason you can't just divide them?

Give the weak ones a separate dish/add a divider to the probable tote you're keeping them in?

 

[SemiSweet2391]

My only concern is the salt content of the "electrolytes" but... guess it all depends on how long. Any reason you can't just divide them?

Give the weak ones a separate dish/add a divider to the probable tote you're keeping them in?

Hmm maybe I could separate them, the only problem is I only have 1 brooder plate (they are 2 ish weeks old). But I'm acclimating them to the outside, so maybe the strong ones outside and the weak ones with the plate inside?

 

[EdgeC]

Hmm maybe I could separate them, the only problem is I only have 1 brooder plate (they are 2 ish weeks old). But I'm acclimating them to the outside, so maybe the strong ones outside and the weak ones with the plate inside?

What's your night time lows? If its like sub 80 I would not. Not this early. What size? They still prob need at least 4 weeks to feather out.

I tend to start around 95f and drop by 5f every week. (As the low). You can push it, however you will have a higher rate of "failure to thrive" and that I expect is what your issue you are having is now. They will die in a day or two; if you're not careful.

 

[SemiSweet2391]

What's your night time lows? If its like sub 80 I would not. Not this early. What size? They still prob need at least 4 weeks to feather out.

I tend to start around 95f and drop by 5f every week. (As the low). You can push it, however you will have a higher rate of "failure to thrive" and that I expect is what your issue you are having is now. They will die in a day or two; if you're not careful.

Thanks for this feedback! I will clarify that although our nighttime lows are around mid 60s, I bring them back in at night with the brooder plate. Actually today was their first field trip and it was sweltering (for me lol) at 90. Right now they are inside with the plate.

Once everyone gets used to the concept of being outside my plan is to move them and their plate outside and finish brooding them outside, next to the run that they will be moving into (look don't touch etc.). Hopefully I get this whole operation done in time.

Everyone else seems to be doing well so I'm not sure why these two are just not vibing with walking. I gave them some Vit B tonight

 

[EdgeC]

Thanks for this feedback! I will clarify that although our nighttime lows are around mid 60s, I bring them back in at night with the brooder plate. Actually today was their first field trip and it was sweltering (for me lol) at 90. Right now they are inside with the plate.

Once everyone gets used to the concept of being outside my plan is to move them and their plate outside and finish brooding them outside, next to the run that they will be moving into (look don't touch etc.). Hopefully I get this whole operation done in time.

Everyone else seems to be doing well so I'm not sure why these two are just not vibing with walking. I gave them some Vit B tonight

Oh okay! I thought you meant; Perma outside!

They might just be weak genetics... it does happen. Out of every batch of 100 I make I tend to have 1-2 that are like that. I used to seperate them and try to help them... but half would still fail and I was afraid I was adding some weakness back into the genepool. So now... its not pretty but I just separate (treat) but if they die I compost them... I don't really try hard to push the lagers back into the gene pool. (I raise and breed my own chickens though).

You're just making a small flock; so for your needs you're doing great. They are most likely just not getting enough fluids. IF you can keep them going for about a week... they should stabilize. If they are still alive today; good sign as well. (As long as its not getting worse.)

Edit: Clarify (They are most likely not drinking enough water; not that you did not give it to them. Its a them thing; not a you thing.)

 

[SemiSweet2391]

Oh okay! I thought you meant; Perma outside!

They might just be weak genetics... it does happen. Out of every batch of 100 I make I tend to have 1-2 that are like that. I used to seperate them and try to help them... but half would still fail and I was afraid I was adding some weakness back into the genepool. So now... its not pretty but I just separate (treat) but if they die I compost them... I don't really try hard to push the lagers back into the gene pool. (I raise and breed my own chickens though).

You're just making a small flock; so for your needs you're doing great. They are most likely just not getting enough fluids. IF you can keep them going for about a week... they should stabilize. If they are still alive today; good sign as well. (As long as its not getting worse.)

Edit: Clarify (They are most likely not drinking enough water; not that you did not give it to them. Its a them thing; not a you thing.)

Ok thank you! I will keep hand giving them water. I appreciate your help!