Gout/MS/something else in 6 week chick?

[Aswanson]

Thank you all! This is amazing advice...I hadn’t thought about the well water thing. I hope I can figure this out...we lost half of the chicks we ordered to a mail mix up we aren’t giving any more treats, and we will change the food. Also giving apple cider vinegar.

 

[Aswanson]

@Aswanson is she missing her tail? In the first post it appears this way?

The reason I ask is because if she is being bullied, this can lead to all sorts of health issues, along with not eating or drinking properly. Chickens know when others in the flock are sick.

Nope she has her tail it’s just a bad picture. It doesn’t seem like anybody is picking on her at the moment

 

[TwoCrows]

Nope she has her tail it’s just a bad picture. It doesn’t seem like anybody is picking on her at the moment

Great! Just wanted to check on the tail. LOL

I would give the lower protein/other stuff diet a try. If in a few weeks she continues to get worse, you might find a vet to test her blood for MS. If it turns out to be MS, the combo of Baytril and Doxycycline used long term should help knock it out.

Good luck and keep us posted, I hope she gets relief soon, such a pretty chick!

 

[Eggcessive]

Wouldn’t it be better to get testing sooner for MS before changing the diet, since she is a little chick who needs a good diet? Just wondering. A PCR test for mycoplasma is the best method available to get. Your vet may be helpful, and there are poultry labs that can run the test.
Edited to say, I am not an expert on MS or gout, so I really don’t know what is best. 20% protein is the usual amount for chicks. One article I read said that diets of 30% or higher can be a cause of gout, but then there are other possible causes.