Limping Guinea Keets

[TexasTurkeyMama]

My keets from this summer are around 20 weeks now. All four are females and I am noticing limping and behaviors
demonstrating foot discomfort. At first there was only one reluctant to move along on her feet. This week there are
three of the four.

Their feed was 30% protein Purina Game Bird, then at 12 weeks 20% protein, Dumor chick crumbles, nonmedicated. When they moved into their grownup coop with the other guineafowl (three females, one male) they started eating 16% Dumor layer pellets. Then the limping started.

If I switch to a game bird formula, should I purchase the conditioner with higher protein or the "maintenance" with the lower protein? Would a vitamin or liquid tonic help address the foot issues?

 

[R2elk]

My keets from this summer are around 20 weeks now. All four are females and I am noticing limping and behaviors
demonstrating foot discomfort. At first there was only one reluctant to move along on her feet. This week there are
three of the four.

Their feed was 30% protein Purina Game Bird, then at 12 weeks 20% protein, Dumor chick crumbles, nonmedicated. When they moved into their grownup coop with the other guineafowl (three females, one male) they started eating 16% Dumor layer pellets. Then the limping started.

If I switch to a game bird formula, should I purchase the conditioner with higher protein or the "maintenance" with the lower protein? Would a vitamin or liquid tonic help address the foot issues?

Layer feed should only be fed to laying hens.

I would have put them on a 20% protein all flock feed after the game bird starter.

I feed my juveniles and adults 20% protein all flock with free choice oyster shell. The all flock has the higher percentages of lysine, methionine and niacin that is beneficial to them. It also has the lower calcium content which is good for non laying hens and males.

You didn't say what type of flooring or bedding that you have them on. The flooring/bedding may be contributing to their sore feet.

 

[TexasTurkeyMama]

Layer feed should only be fed to laying hens.

I would have put them on a 20% protein all flock feed after the game bird starter.

I feed my juveniles and adults 20% protein all flock with free choice oyster shell. The all flock has the higher percentages of lysine, methionine and niacin that is beneficial to them. It also has the lower calcium content which is good for non laying hens and males.

You didn't say what type of flooring or bedding that you have them on. The flooring/bedding may be contributing to their sore feet.

Thank you for responding. The guineas' coop is deep litter with the occasional bit of limestone boulder to break up the monotony--and the tines off my spading fork.

Tractor Supply is the most convenient feed store for me. The Dumor All Flock is 17% protein, but there is also a Purina Duck feed which lists niacin at the top of the analysis list. The Duck protein is 19-20%. I will take your shopping list (lysine, methionine, niacin, 20%protein + oyster shell) and look at the options.

 

[Bengala-Tom]

My keets from this summer are around 20 weeks now. All four are females and I am noticing limping and behaviors
demonstrating foot discomfort. At first there was only one reluctant to move along on her feet. This week there are
three of the four.

Their feed was 30% protein Purina Game Bird, then at 12 weeks 20% protein, Dumor chick crumbles, nonmedicated. When they moved into their grownup coop with the other guineafowl (three females, one male) they started eating 16% Dumor layer pellets. Then the limping started.

If I switch to a game bird formula, should I purchase the conditioner with higher protein or the "maintenance" with the lower protein? Would a vitamin or liquid tonic help address the foot issues?

I had a finer plastic mesh net to keep the keet inside the pen. I didn't realize, some of the over time started to limp and show pain stepping the one foot. They worked the plastic net, pulled thin threads out that winded up on one or more toes. Had to look very closely, use a small, sharp scissor to cut the threads and help to unwind them. They all healed well.

 

[TexasTurkeyMama]

I had a finer plastic mesh net to keep the keet inside the pen. I didn't realize, some of the over time started to limp and show pain stepping the one foot. They worked the plastic net, pulled thin threads out that winded up on one or more toes. Had to look very closely, use a small, sharp scissor to cut the threads and help to unwind them. They all healed well.

Those keets get in all kinds of trouble! Yes,.I also had a scrap of "Astroturf" in the run and yes the webbing was unraveling and snagging the keets on their toes. The webbing went in the trash.

 

[TexasTurkeyMama]

My guinea keets are showing great improvement. They are bunking with the duck flock and eating Dumor Duck pellets. Both flocks are seasonal layers and apparently egg season is over.