help, dead chick?

[risingeaglefarm]

I had about 50 quail eggs in the incubator with some duck eggs and some chicken eggs, and only 1 hatched, assisted. I know your not supposed to have them together because of disease, but i removed the chick immediately and put it in the brooder. It seemed very healthy at first, although it had a case of pasty butt a few days ago, which I cleaned off. However at about 2 weeks old, even though it was eating, it did seem like it wasn't growing very much. But other than that, it seemed just fine. Just now it laid on its side, rolled over, and suddenly died on its back in just about ten minutes... I'm worried about disease. It wasnt with any other birds. I had its cage lined with grass clippings, I had grit in there, but I'm not sure it could get to it very well. Im just wondering what went wrong? Could the duck eggs have transmitted disease to the quail just by being in the same incubator? Why would the bird take so long to show symptoms and then just suddenly die? Could you let me know what could be going on? Thanks.

 

[risingeaglefarm]

I heard that sometimes there are places you can get a free bird autopsy... Is there any such place in Montana?

 

[ChickenGoesRuff]

I've had bad luck with grass clippings in my brooders. I had 2 chicks that died at 3 weeks with grass clippings as the only enviromental change. It may have been a buildup of a hidden problems that culminated in death, or one thing. I doubt it is your fault or the duck eggs. Did the chick seize before death and discharge via the mouth or just literally drop?

 

[risingeaglefarm]

No, at first he just looked very tired, laid down, and then he was rolling onto his back,and just generally didn't look so good, and couldn't get back up again

 

[risingeaglefarm]

Of course, with this bird flu scare, the first thing that crosses our minds is "omg bird flu!", of course its unlikely, but you don't think that's a possibility?

 

[ChickenGoesRuff]

I don't think it is bird flu. Due to your description, it sort of sounds like Botulism. The toxin can be produced from decaying animal or plant matter.

• Nervous signs, weakness, progressive flaccid paralysis of legs, wings then neck, then sudden death.
• Affected birds tend to settle with eyes closed when not disturbed.
• A soiled beak, because it rests on the litter, is also quite typical

Bird Flu would be more severe with

• Sudden death.
• Marked loss of appetite, reduced feed consumption.
• Cessation of normal flock vocalization.
• Depression.
• Coughing.
• Nasal and ocular discharge.
• Swollen face.
• Cyanosis of comb/wattles.
• Diarrhea (often green).
• Nervous signs such as paralysis.

Hope it helps.

 

[risingeaglefarm]

Yeah, I don't think it could be bird flu because the chick lived 2 weeks before dying and seemed healthy. It does sound like grass clippings could have been a bad idea because of the risk of botulism.
I guess I should give the ducklings a new brooder to be safe, in case there is any disease in it.
Thanks.