Cream Legbar Hybrid Thread

[Darkangael]

I am so sorry to hear you lost your chickens.

 

[WHmarans]

Hello! I'm sorry to ask something off topic but does anyone happen to know sources of info for rehabilitating chicks? I'm taking on about 6 undernourished 8 week old chicks and will keep them warm and well fed but just want to know what extra I can do for them to get them healthy! Any pointers much appreciated!

 

[chicken pickin]

Oh poor chicks. When you say under nourished what do you mean exactly? Where they not feed well or at all previously? Or is it possible that these chicks are sick and just not eating? I ask because if it happens that they are sick the possibility of them transmitting the disease to your existing flock is highly likely. Do you personally know the source of the chicks or are they craigslist or something? Sorry for all the questions.

 

[HaplessRunner]

Hello! I'm sorry to ask something off topic but does anyone happen to know sources of info for rehabilitating chicks? I'm taking on about 6 undernourished 8 week old chicks and will keep them warm and well fed but just want to know what extra I can do for them to get them healthy! Any pointers much appreciated!

The chicks may also need worming. Since they are very young chicks, you will be keeping them in a brooder for growing out. You may want to provide some sulfa meds and some oxytetracycline in their water to address potential respiratory and other issues.

 

[WHmarans]

The chicks may also need worming.  Since they are very young chicks, you will be keeping them in a brooder for growing out.  You may want to provide some sulfa meds and some oxytetracycline in their water to address potential respiratory and other issues.

Thanks! Do you know feed wise should I give them any high protein feed like game bird? Or stay with chick starter?

 

[ChicKat]

Thanks! Do you know feed wise should I give them any high protein feed like game bird? Or stay with chick starter?

With rehabilitating - you need to take it slow. Good chick starter/grower is probably the route I would take if I were you. Good luck.

 

[WHmarans]

With rehabilitating - you need to take it slow.  Good chick starter/grower is probably the route I would take if I were you.  Good luck.

Ok will do. Thanks.

 

[HaplessRunner]

Thanks! Do you know feed wise should I give them any high protein feed like game bird? Or stay with chick starter?

AS ChicKat said, a good chick starter feed would be appropriate. Depending upon their condition, you may want to consider medicated chick starter. Once again, take it slow and be responsive to what you observe.

 

[ChicKat]

AS ChicKat said, a good chick starter feed would be appropriate. Depending upon their condition, you may want to consider medicated chick starter. Once again, take it slow and be responsive to what you observe.

That same thought crossed my mind - medicated may be good---but be sure to read the label directions - I think medicated prevents new chicks from getting coccidocis (I spelled that wrong but you know want I mean) - and if you feed medicated too long it will kill their own intestinal bacteria - (Read that I don't remember where)... If they are past the age for medicated, and you think that they may need a boost in beneficial bacteria - you could get some probiotics. Tractor supply carries it in bottles and also in envelopes of 3 - right next to 'save-a-chick' electrolytes. --- Blue packet for both. Oh and some plain yogurt with active cultures would also work to do the same thing...

I'm hearing a LOT on the radio about the huge benefits they are discovering from gut bacteria (as gruesome as it sounds).......

 

[DCchicken]

That same thought crossed my mind - medicated may be good---but be sure to read the label directions - I think medicated prevents new chicks from getting coccidocis (I spelled that wrong but you know want I mean) - and if you feed medicated too long it will kill their own intestinal bacteria - (Read that I don't remember where)... If they are past the age for medicated, and you think that they may need a boost in beneficial bacteria - you could get some probiotics. Tractor supply carries it in bottles and also in envelopes of 3 - right next to 'save-a-chick' electrolytes. --- Blue packet for both. Oh and some plain yogurt with active cultures would also work to do the same thing...

I'm hearing a LOT on the radio about the huge benefits they are discovering from gut bacteria (as gruesome as it sounds).......

Medicated chick starter is not an antibiotic. It contains a substance that blocks thiamine uptake in the coccidian protozoa. If you suspect coccidiosis, then you should treat with medicated chick starter AND Corid for a week. While treating for coccidiosis, DO NOT give any probiotics, yogurt, electrolytes, or vitamins because you may be preventing the thiamine uptake inhibitor from working. You should also not give any fresh water and only give the water with the Corid in it during the treatment period since the Corid needs to build up in their system to allow the protozoa levels to die off to a level that the chick (or adult bird) can handle. After the treatment period, you can return to fresh water and non-medicated food. However, I would just discontinue the Corid and keep feeding the medicated chick starter until you used it all up (feed is expensive).

Also keep in mind that you may need to clean their brooder more often. Many diseases are caused by damp or dirty litter. You may also want to increase their temperature slightly so that their body can fight the disease and not the cold. Just make sure that you are not over-heating them. You will know if they are too hot because they will start panting like a dog.