Guinea keets sick

[MarloElmore]

Baby guineas are 4 weeks old and we’ve lost two and one is acting weak. We are using medicated chick feed, so I don’t think it’s coccidia. I’m thinking it might be the pine bedding in their cage. Does anyone know of a cure for this? They normally only last a day after weakness, so quick answers would be great! First time raising guineas.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

We are using medicated chick feed, so I don’t think it’s coccidia.

Hi there, welcome to BYC!

Medicated feed can be a false sense of security and you may still need to treat. It is often a preventative dose but does not account for stock load, weather conditions and such. This would be my very first go to RIGHT now, get the Corid. Coccidiosis can be deadly fast and only one or two strains will present as blood in the droppings. You can get a fecal float to confirm. But I would use the treatment dose and give a drench directly to any showing symptoms.

Secondly, what is the feed? How much protein?

Everyone and their brother uses pine shavings.. that should not be the problem at this age... unless they were moldy or something.

Do NOT supplement with any vitamins during treatment as it works by mimicking thiamine to starve out and slow the growth of coccicda while the birds gain more resistance.

ETA: Coccidiosis is one of if not the largest killer of birds in this age range.

 

[Guinea21]

Hi I have read from many many different experienced guinea breeders to never give guinea medicated feeds as it will kill them. I suggest changing your feed to non medicated with a protein of 24 or higher . Guinea have very natural resistance to chicken diseases and the medicated feed hurts them. Do you also give them oyester shell or some kind of grit? Also very important they have access to grass and greens as it is a vital part of their diet

 

[Guinea21]

https://guineas.com/articles/keets.php

http://raising-guineas.com/

https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/keeping-guinea-fowl-with-chickens/