Here is the info:
1) Speckled Sussex hen less than a week old
2) She stands around a lot - sleeps a lot - less active than the other chicks, looks like she's lagging in growth, not eating a lot, preens excessively when she is awake - it looks like her feathers are itchy to her or something. Just doesn't act right.
3) Last night and this morning
4) Her feathers look a little dishelveled
5) Nothing I know of - but I'm suspecting maybe mites?
6) Medicated chick starter w 18% protein (crumbles), sugar water for the first day but now just clean water.
7) She actually just pooped and it looks dark and runny - really dark brown and almost black.
8) I'm gathering info right now but I did go look for mites but couldn't tell if she had any or not? She has a mixture of feather colors so maybe I just don't see any? I also checked to see if she would drink water and she will if I dip her beak. I haven't noticed her eating today but I will go watch her more.
9 ) If I can treat her myself I will - but I could take her to the vet if necessary. I am planning to clean out the brooder bedding today and of course change out their water. I was thinking of treating the area with pesticide for potential mite infestation? In that case I would dust under the bedding and maybe dust the chick. What is your advice?
10) No pics right now.
11) Pine shavings covered by burlap in about a 7 foot diameter brooder ring made out of metal flashing are located in my garage. Two red heat lamps suspended from the ceiling keep a portion of the brooder between 90 and 95 degrees. I have a feeder and a waterer.
Ideas anyone? Or am I being an overly cautious daddy?
-Lee
1) Speckled Sussex hen less than a week old
2) She stands around a lot - sleeps a lot - less active than the other chicks, looks like she's lagging in growth, not eating a lot, preens excessively when she is awake - it looks like her feathers are itchy to her or something. Just doesn't act right.
3) Last night and this morning
4) Her feathers look a little dishelveled
5) Nothing I know of - but I'm suspecting maybe mites?
6) Medicated chick starter w 18% protein (crumbles), sugar water for the first day but now just clean water.
7) She actually just pooped and it looks dark and runny - really dark brown and almost black.
8) I'm gathering info right now but I did go look for mites but couldn't tell if she had any or not? She has a mixture of feather colors so maybe I just don't see any? I also checked to see if she would drink water and she will if I dip her beak. I haven't noticed her eating today but I will go watch her more.
9 ) If I can treat her myself I will - but I could take her to the vet if necessary. I am planning to clean out the brooder bedding today and of course change out their water. I was thinking of treating the area with pesticide for potential mite infestation? In that case I would dust under the bedding and maybe dust the chick. What is your advice?
10) No pics right now.
11) Pine shavings covered by burlap in about a 7 foot diameter brooder ring made out of metal flashing are located in my garage. Two red heat lamps suspended from the ceiling keep a portion of the brooder between 90 and 95 degrees. I have a feeder and a waterer.
Ideas anyone? Or am I being an overly cautious daddy?
-Lee
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