Month old Guinea keet suddenly can't walk

[Pennys Mama]

I had 3 keets & 3 chicks in an outdoor pen together. This morning all was fine. Everyone eating, drinking, chirping, walking & flapping....
Now I found one of the largest keets in the pen completely unable to walk or stand, only flapping its wings to get around. Obviously everyone of its buddies were picking at it too when I discovered it. They are eating the high protein game bird starter 30%. No other signs or symptoms & no one else showing similar behavior.
Never had anything like this in my general flock either, but these are in an enclosed pen separate from the flock.
Anybody got any ideas on what it could be?
I dispatched it to end its suffering.

@Eggcessive
@R2elk
@casportpony
@azygous
@Wyorp Rock

 

[azygous]

Age of chicks would be a handy bit of information. Also where are they brooded? Temperature? Size of brooder? Are they on soil where adult chickens are kept? Type of bedding? Grit?

 

[Pennys Mama]

Age of chicks would be a handy bit of information. Also where are they brooded? Temperature? Size of brooder? Are they on soil where adult chickens are kept? Type of bedding? Grit?

Sorry, they are a little over a month. In a wire bottom cage, on the back porch, I've got pine shavings in the bottom to help hold heat. Most of the wire has been covered to make it warmer for winter chicks, the top is still open and part of the front for ventilation. It's about 6 sq ft. They are all hatchmates. They have a ceramic heat bulb for heat, they are all fully feathered out. I don't have grit in there with them, just their gamebird crumble and water. Would not having grit cause that, a deficiency I'd guess?

 

[azygous]

Not having grit is only an issue if they've been getting treats such as apple or rolled oats that need grit to digest. Just something to rule out.

The symptoms could be from poisoning or coccidiosis. Keep very close watch on the others for early similar symptoms and check over the premises to be sure there isn't anything toxic in air or water or shavings. (Insecticides)

What is your water source? Chicks can be very sensitive to well water high in iron that is binding with bacteria. Also, any fumes from machinery operating in the vicinity can sicken chicks. Someone a few years ago was losing chicks they were brooding in his work shop where he regularly worked with a propane blow torch.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm sorry about your Keet. I don't know much about Guinea fowl and what affects them.
Have you asked someone that raises them if they have any suggestions?

 

[Painted Calls]

How thick is the bedding on top of the wire and what diameter on the holes? I'm assuming it's hardware cloth but thought I'd ask to be sure.

 

[Pennys Mama]

Not having grit is only an issue if they've been getting treats such as apple or rolled oats that need grit to digest. Just something to rule out.

The symptoms could be from poisoning or coccidiosis. Keep very close watch on the others for early similar symptoms and check over the premises to be sure there isn't anything toxic in air or water or shavings. (Insecticides)

What is your water source? Chicks can be very sensitive to well water high in iron that is binding with bacteria.

They aren't getting any treats, just their feed.
I do have well water, don't know what the analysis is, I won't drink it. It gets muddy during heavy rains and it's been busy raining the last few months or so. I do use acv with mother in the water. I see some runny poo and solid poo, but no bloody or mucusy poo. Should I treat them prophylactically for coccidiosis? I'll refresh their water tomorrow & run it through the filter, all the animals get the well water as well as run off rain water.

How thick is the bedding on top of the wire and what diameter on the holes? I'm assuming it's hardware cloth but thought I'd ask to be sure.

There is a tray and cardboard on top of the hardware cloth (1/2"). The shavings are about an inch or two thick.

 

[Painted Calls]

There is a tray and cardboard on top of the hardware cloth (1/2"). The shavings are about an inch or two thick.

Oh good! Just had to check. Well I'm stumped then. Hopefully someone else will have a better idea to help your little one. Guineas hold a special place in my heart. ❤