Help with 5 week old chicks

[joneschickenmama]

New chicken Mommy here.....I started out with day old chicks from TS. They were all doing great. A couple of days later, I added 4 more to the group from TS as well. After adding the 4 new chicks, some of them have developed diarrhea. I put them on probiotics & medicated chick feed per a TS employee & 3 weeks later the diarrhea hasn't let up any. Any suggestions as to changes that I can make to clear it up? Thanks in advance.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Chickens pass their urates through their droppings as well... How many chicks in how much space? What is the bedding? Medicated starter... with amprolium or something else?

Can you post a pic? Are you seeing anyone lethargic, not eating or drinking? What color are the droppings? How hot is it in the brooder?

What kind of probiotics? Does it have vitamins or electrolytes in it? Have you been giving it for 3 full weeks?

Switch to fresh water... No supplement should be given for more than 10 days straight. How many birds in how much space? Any grit available? Any treats?

Maybe bring in a fresh plug of (chemical free) grass/dirt... let them get some ground exposure if they are still in a brooder.

 

[joneschickenmama]

Chickens pass their urates through their droppings as well... How many chicks in how much space? What is the bedding? Medicated starter... with amprolium or something else?

Can you post a pic? Are you seeing anyone lethargic, not eating or drinking? What color are the droppings? How hot is it in the brooder?

What kind of probiotics? Does it have vitamins or electrolytes in it? Have you been giving it for 3 full weeks?

Switch to fresh water... No supplement should be given for more than 10 days straight. How many birds in how much space? Any grit available? Any treats?

Maybe bring in a fresh plug of (chemical free) grass/dirt... let them get some ground exposure if they are still in a brooder.

14 chicks in a giant dog kennel in my home. They're eating the Dumor Medicated Starter. Everyone is happy & healthy & eating & drinking great. I got the probiotic at TS recommended by the salesperson. I have decreased the temp 5 degrees per week & now it's between 70 & 75 degrees. I started plain fresh water yesterday. No grit or treats. The droppings are a medium to dark brownish color.

 

[Flockandfowl46]

Do you already have a coop set up hun?

 

[joneschickenmama]

Yes. Almost finished with the run but had to have unexpected hand surgery. That has set me back a little bit.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

14 chicks in a giant dog kennel in my home

I would cut the heat completely... 14 chicks is enough to keep each other warm especially inside your house... even at day one during shipping according to most hatcheries.

Oh boy.. do I know about unexpected set backs! Hope your hand is OK and recovers quickly and well.

Since everyone is acting normal... I probably wouldn't worry too much... unless you start to see bloody poos.

Bringing the plug of dirt in will give them a smaller amount of exposure to the stuff in your soil so they will be less likely to catch something when being put out full time.... Or short trips outside (to start) if you are able, are really good.

A giant (indoor) dog kennel... seems pretty crowded to me... but it's great that you aren't yet experiencing behavioral issues or coccidiosis. Don't get me wrong... I have over crowded sometimes! Oh the relief you will fill when you get them little buggers out... and how much fun to see them go spastic wing flapping and such with their new found space.

 

[joneschickenmama]

I would cut the heat completely... 14 chicks is enough to keep each other warm especially inside your house... even at day one during shipping according to most hatcheries.

Oh boy.. do I know about unexpected set backs! Hope your hand is OK and recovers quickly and well.

Since everyone is acting normal... I probably wouldn't worry too much... unless you start to see bloody poos.

Bringing the plug of dirt in will give them a smaller amount of exposure to the stuff in your soil so they will be less likely to catch something when being put out full time.... Or short trips outside (to start) if you are able, are really good.

A giant (indoor) dog kennel... seems pretty crowded to me... but it's great that you aren't yet experiencing behavioral issues or coccidiosis. Don't get me wrong... I have over crowded sometimes! Oh the relief you will fill when you get them little buggers out... and how much fun to see them go spastic wing flapping and such with their new found space.

Thank you so much for the advice. I don't have any heat on them whatsoever. They've been together since day 1 & I haven't seen any agression at all between them. They all sleep together & when I pick up one to hold all of the others start chirping something awful like they're looking for the missing sibling. I thought maybe about separating them into 2 kennels as I have 2 of the same kind. Thanks again!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I thought maybe about separating them into 2 kennels as I have 2 of the same kind

I would move the two kennels together before I would go though the hassle of separation and reintegration. It will give you a little more time in between cleaning too! Whatever works for YOU.

ETA: even add in little roosts if you don't have any yet.