is one of my quail sick?

[Heather Christensen]

I just noticed dark, runny poo in my quail's cage. They are 4 weeks old and I just gave them greens for the first time today. Maybe someone's digestive system is just being slow to adjust? They all are acting bright and healthy. What should I do? What signs should Iook for that it might be a parasite or other illness? Is there a medicine or something I can give them just in case?

 

[Welshies]

Have you given them grit?

 

[Heather Christensen]

Have you given them grit?

I have it. Was going to give it to them soon as I figured out how. I mean, like, mixed in with their food? in its own little dish? How much?

 

[Welshies]

I have it. Was going to give it to them soon as I figured out how. I mean, like, mixed in with their food? in its own little dish? How much?

They need grit if you give them greens. That's how they digest their food.
Give it to them free-choice in a little dish on the side, like oyster shell.

 

[JaeG]

Greens have lots of water in them so I wouldn't worry at this stage unless it continues.

 

[Heather Christensen]

Okay, turns out the 'grit' I have is oyster grit - reading other threads on the topic, turns out that oyster grit is soluble grit, good for nutrition, but not the same as insoluble grit (tiny stones) for digestion? Now I am trying to figure out how to source the insoluble kind.

 

[JaeG]

If you give them backyard dirt or sand in their dust bath they'll find grit for themselves there. I can't buy insoluble grit in my country. Birds can cope without it, even chickens, but it is beneficial to them.