Chick with diarrhea, poor balance, and screaming

[Valyn-san]

Do you have a way to take the temp at chick level? While that heat lamp is far away, those solid walls on the tote could be trapping heat and what you think is diarrhea could be just watery poop from drinking alot of water, which they will do if it is too hot. While keeping the above suggestions in mind, try to see how hot it inside of that tote. You don't really want anything above 95F, better 90F at one week, then reduce by 5F each week.

We have a thermometer which we use and the tote is typically around 85-89F, it's the only one doing this. Our feeder is medicated with the same active ingredients in corrid so idk if it's cocci.

 

[thecatumbrella]

We have a thermometer which we use and the tote is typically around 85-89F, it's the only one doing this. Our feeder is medicated with the same active ingredients in corrid so idk if it's cocci.

Coccidiosis mainly occurs once the chicks are exposed to soil, but it can happen in the brooder if things aren't kept dry. Water + poop = coccidia overgrowth. The waterer is another culprit, if it's open source. Corid is a vital first aid treatment for coccidiosis outbreaks. It's worth picking some up at a local farm store (or Tractor Supply), just in case.

Edit: Medicated feed can help prevent a coccidiosis outbreak, but it cannot treat it.

 

[Valyn-san]

I'm definitely concerned about that heat lamp. Chicks need a small area to warm up, and a larger room temperature area to eat and drink. Do you have a larger brooder you're able to put them in, or are you willing to switch to a heat plate? Heat plates are much safer, mimic a mother hen, and use a lot less energy. I start my chicks in a plastic tote as well and would not feel comfortable with a heat lamp due to how much warmth it puts out. It's very difficult to control in such a small space.

Does every dropping look like that? I see a lot of moisture in it. That could imply the chicks could be overheating and drinking more water than usual. The color itself is not concerning.

If she stops screaming when you hold her, it's possible she's imprinted on you. A few of mine will scream if I'm not in the room.

I will tag a couple of more knowledgeable people to try and help you with her unsteadiness. @Wyorp Rock @Eggcessive

We're working on getting a heat plate, she hasn't pooped since I took the image despite eating and drinking. She doesn't have pasty but either.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Starter grower

Brand, & is it an organic feed?

 

[thecatumbrella]

We're working on getting a heat plate, she hasn't pooped since I took the image despite eating and drinking. She doesn't have pasty but either.

If the image is from an hour ago, I wouldn't worry too much yet. The fact that she's eating and drinking is a positive sign. I'd become more concerned if it continues, or she's straining to defecate.

I think you'll be very happy with the heat plate. Set it to about back height (so the chicks can press up against it, if they want). They may be apprehensive at first about going under, so just gently nudge them in. They'll get the idea pretty quickly. If you hear loud distress chirps, the plate is too high. If they're hanging out the sides too much, the plate is too low. You want either happy chirps or dead silence while they're underneath. It might even fix your screaming problem, since it gives them the comfort of being covered by mom.

Hopefully it's just an overheating problem and nothing more serious. It's worth hearing everyone's two cents though. It's hard when animals can't tell you what's wrong!

 

[Valyn-san]

Brand, & is it an organic feed?

Country road chick starter grower. Medicated

 

[Valyn-san]

If the image is from an hour ago, I wouldn't worry too much yet. The fact that she's eating and drinking is a positive sign. I'd become more concerned if it continues, or she's straining to defecate.

I think you'll be very happy with the heat plate. Set it to about back height (so the chicks can press up against it, if they want). They may be apprehensive at first about going under, so just gently nudge them in. They'll get the idea pretty quickly. If you hear loud distress chirps, the plate is too high. If they're hanging out the sides too much, the plate is too low. You want either happy chirps or dead silence while they're underneath. It might even fix your screaming problem, since it gives them the comfort of being covered by mom.

Hopefully it's just an overheating problem and nothing more serious. It's worth hearing everyone's two cents though. It's hard when animals can't tell you what's wrong!

My bf was wondering if we should keep the 'sick' (for lack of better words) one separated

 

[MysteryChicken]

Country road chick starter grower. Medicated

Fiber content is 7.0%. I'd find a lower fiber, higher protein feed, the protein of this feed is 18%, which isn't bad, but it's balancing with the fiber content seems off.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would keep the chick with the others. Here is a thread about a homemade heat plate:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...d-in-the-brooder-picture-heavy-update.956958/