Hello everyone,
I am new to keeping chickens but have kept and bred parrots, finches, "typical" birds found in California pet shops for many years.
I have 4 chicks in a brooder/cage with a heat lamp now at about 80-85 in the hot spot. (Kept in my living room now and they will be slowly adapted to outside but not for several weeks)
They are all eating and drinking, pooping just fine but the Welsummer suddenly started laying down (like in a nesting, resting position) frequently. She is eating and gaining weight but started doing this a couple days ago. I looked closely at her tonight and realized at least 2 of her toes on each foot are curled slightly inward and according to research believe it is Curly Toe Syndrome (I think that's what it's called)
I read that PolyViSol for children can be administered but not sure how. Should I give orally with a syringe (I have hand-reared many birds but not sure if a chick would be more likely to inhale) or do I add to the water? Is it okay for the other chicks to have it if they don't have any problems or do I need to separate her? I don't want to do that as I feel the companionship of other birds can be vital to each bird's well-being-especially at this young age. They are not picking on her, they still sleep and eat together.
Thoughts? Advice? Should I tape her toes? What methods? Pipe cleaner and tape? Band-aids and tape?? Should I do both the vitamins and the taping? Help!
Thank you all for you time and help.
I am new to keeping chickens but have kept and bred parrots, finches, "typical" birds found in California pet shops for many years.
I have 4 chicks in a brooder/cage with a heat lamp now at about 80-85 in the hot spot. (Kept in my living room now and they will be slowly adapted to outside but not for several weeks)
They are all eating and drinking, pooping just fine but the Welsummer suddenly started laying down (like in a nesting, resting position) frequently. She is eating and gaining weight but started doing this a couple days ago. I looked closely at her tonight and realized at least 2 of her toes on each foot are curled slightly inward and according to research believe it is Curly Toe Syndrome (I think that's what it's called)
I read that PolyViSol for children can be administered but not sure how. Should I give orally with a syringe (I have hand-reared many birds but not sure if a chick would be more likely to inhale) or do I add to the water? Is it okay for the other chicks to have it if they don't have any problems or do I need to separate her? I don't want to do that as I feel the companionship of other birds can be vital to each bird's well-being-especially at this young age. They are not picking on her, they still sleep and eat together.
Thoughts? Advice? Should I tape her toes? What methods? Pipe cleaner and tape? Band-aids and tape?? Should I do both the vitamins and the taping? Help!
Thank you all for you time and help.