Guineas not able to walk

[Pyxis]

Originally Posted by tim sommers View Post

Hi Pyxis My guineas are no better. I switched them to 24% protein but it's not looking good. I now have another laying on the ground a lot. I do not know how to post a new thread so people can see it. I just pick up a reply on a post. Can all the Guinea people see my post. I was hoping someone was close to Montgomery Pa 17752 that could help me before they die

Oh no Can you try locking them up in their coop to make sure it's not something they're finding and eating when they're out?

I'd also try adding a vitamin supplement to their water to give them a boost - Poultry Nutri Drench would be good.

How does their poop look?

I would worm them with Safeguard in case it's a worm problem or there is a slight chance it could be blackhead which this should help with too.

Are they showing any signs of leg weakness/paralysis? It could possibly be botulism if so.

Do you have one that you can send for a necropsy to find out the cause of this for sure? Either one that has recently died or one you would be willing to cull and then send off? Knowing the cause would help immensely.

 

[BlueShadow]

Unfortunately, animals will recover only slowly from nutritional deficiencies. I wouldn't expect to see huge improvements in only 3-4 days.

Also, it is possible they have developed a secondary illness because of the low protein. If they have another illness, that will not improve simply because you fixed the protein. Coccidiosis is always a likely suspect. Do you have any other birds? With coccidia, unfortunately, once they begin showing symptoms, they rarely survive even with treatment. However the treatment may help the other guineas to survive. How does their poop look? Is it pretty dry and solid, wet and runny, pasty, etc.?

Everyone on BYC can see your post. I suspect there were no other answers because the people who read your post either didn't know or had no other ideas to offer than what was already mentioned.

 

[tim sommers]

Thanks. I can not afford vet bills. I was hoping that someone close to me could look and see the problem. They just lay down and cannot stand for more than a sececond or two. I was hoping for a close antibiotic or a shot. I am afraid I am loosing all 12 birds

 

[Pyxis]

Thanks. I can not afford vet bills. I was hoping that someone close to me could look and see the problem. They just lay down and cannot stand for more than a sececond or two. I was hoping for a close antibiotic or a shot. I am afraid I am loosing all 12 birds

Go ahead and try what I posted and see if it helps any. Worming them and giving them extra vitamins can't hurt and can only help. And if you can get a necropsy a lot of universities will do it for free; you may have something like that in your state.

If you can also let us know what their poop looks like, that may help to determine the cause.

 

[BlueShadow]

Most of the treatments for common bird diseases are available at Tractor Supply or whatever your local farm store is. Medications such as coccidiostats, dewormers, and antibiotics are available there. The trouble is knowing what the disease is to treat them. Once they get so weak they can't stand or eat, I am afraid not much will help them, as nearly all of the medicines are things they eat/drink.

 

[bosschris]

IF you can't afford wormer, you can try pumpkin fresh or canned just not seasoned. I offer all my bird fresh pumpkin it is a natural dewormer. I would also see about some fresh greens and grit. If they are having digestive issues these three things might help as they cant hurt. Guineas need greens for proper digestion. I hope your feed isn't medicated feed as I have been told that is bad for them. As said before I would confine them just to be sure they are not into something bad for them. I wish you the best of luck and hope your birds improve!


Also whether you know it or not pine bedding is bad for guinea's. They eat it and it clogs them up. When mine were little I used old towels and now use clean dry straw.

 

[DesertLab]

Thanks. I can not afford vet bills. I was hoping that someone close to me could look and see the problem. They just lay down and cannot stand for more than a sececond or two. I was hoping for a close antibiotic or a shot. I am afraid I am loosing all 12 birds

I live in GA. I do not know if this is the same in all states but... since guineas, chickens, etc are also food the poultry vet is paid for by the state. I had him come out and check a rooster. He took the bird for necropsy as we figured he was beyond being "fixed". I was expecting a bill and when I asked but it .. he said he was paid for by the state and does not bill individuals. Perhaps PA has a similar program?

All the best to you.

 

[Yemimah]

I think if you want to try and save them at this point you probably need to get a vet involved. Birds are hearty but the are delicate on the same token. I seems like the low protein diet took it's toll. It would seem to me like you need very accurate and correct direction to be able to save them. They just won't be thrifty again otherwise. I would also suggest getting Storey guide to guinea fowl and learn up before you try again. Folks say guineas are not a bird for beginners. I am sorry to hear of your loss.Do not be afraid to try again!

 

[Yemimah]

You could also call Meyer Hatchery Monday a.m.

 

[Yemimah]

Okay I have raised chickens for 2 decades but am also new to guineas... but since I have done so many chickens my friends al told me I would do fine. I had them in a big kennel. So my chickens which are pullet age and have never laid an egg yet could see but not reach them. They have been in this situation for 4-5 weeks now. I just let the guineas free near dusk into the coop. The rooster promptly attacked them. So I broke up the fight and am monitoring the situation. Any help out there for me?The guinea are actually just fully feathered juveniles.