McDuff Update

[RedJasper]

Hi Everybody,

I am really happy to say that McDuff seems to be doing a little better. S/He was finally getting some stuff out on his own, but chirping in discomfort during the process. S/he used to chirp fairly often in discomfort, as well as regular chirping.

Last night, s/he seemed to be eating and drinking much more, as well as wandering around much more following the gang, and pecking a lot at objects in their brooder.

A new breakthrough was that McDuff was actually laying down for a few minutes this morning. That was the first time EVER that I saw that. S/he would try and sleep with it's bum (vent) in the air and head down. (The poor little thing!!)

I am really hoping this is all for the better for him. I don't want to see McDuff suffer (doesn't act unhappy or in pain), but at the same time I don't want to lose if I don't have to.

I did try the Molassas, maybe I didn't put enough in the water, but McDuff didn't care for it or like it (I tried to dip the beak in).

On a side note, last night a moth got in the house and in the brooder.....HOLY COW......the onslaught was incredible!! I never saw such a flurry of craze! Even though they are only about 1 week old, is it OK to get them a few mealworms or small crickets?

Thank you to all for your help, suggestions, care and support.
Warm wishes to you all,
Keri

 

[happymorrows]

So glad to hear McDuff is doing better! If they are interested in the treat let them go for it, but remember that they will need some grit to help them digest it. I gave mine horticultural sand (because it is cleaner and because I happened to have it) when they were only 1 and 2 weeks old, but have given them creek sand from my creek since then. They know what to do with it.

All of my 14 have been happy and healthy.

 

[FarmerVal]

Glad to hear your little one is doing better

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

Yes, give them a little sand in a plastic container and then you can feed mealworm, bugs and more moths.

Glad to hear McDuff is seeming to get better.

 

[RedJasper]

What sort of sand do I get? Should I put the mealworms or moths in the sand for them to peck?

Also, what about small crickets? Is 1 week old too soon for them?

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

I get sand from the yard (have lots and lots) but I would think any type of sand (as long as it has not been treated with chems for some reason). You can also get a box of grit - like for finches/canaries, it will work.


Cricket are so funny. Mealworms you can feed from your hand or put into the sand. I also scoop spiders into the brooder for them - although outside I have a hen who will come running when I call (ok, scream) "spider, spider".

One week is not too early for them - momma hen (at least mine) have their chicks outside, roaming and eating everything they can get their beaks on. (sent you an email last night

)

 

[happymorrows]

Mine adore termite logs! Find a log that is partially rotten in the woods, give it a smack to see if there are any little white crawly termite larvae. If you find some shake the log out in the brooder, or just put the log in there. They really love termites, and the termite larvae are slow enough moving that it makes catching them easier for the chicks.

I get grit from my creek, you can buy sand at the hardware store, but make sure it is JUST sand, no chemicals or anything.