Month Old Quail Are Dying!

[Uncle Turk]

I agree with @Nabiki , that bedding needs to be cleaned out....and the need of a bigger brooder should be a priority! Most likely the chick that died had Aspergillosis....an respiratory infection, caused by dusty, damp, filthy, conditions of the bedding.

Ok, thank you. how big should it be?
also how warm does it need to be outside to move them into their permanent cage?

 

[Nabiki]

The feed store I went to said to give them a 22% all flock, I fed them that for a couple days then after reading some forums on here I went to a bigger feed store to get one higher in protein, that is a 24%, hoping to go out to tractor supply to get something better.
Yes I think it was a bit thin.
The box I have them in is a good deal larger than the one the guy I bought them from. How much space per chick do you suggest?
He also said he cleans his once a week, I've been putting a new layer of on each day, I went ahead and fully cleaned it out today

They should be on 28-30% protein feed until they are 10-12 weeks old, then they can drop to the 22% protein feed.

They should have at least 1 square foot per bird. The more space they have, the less they will stink and they will need cleaning less often.

Commercial breeders will put 3 birds per square foot, but they are on wire so they don't stand in their poop and get cleaned twice a day. Wire in general isn't good for their feet and legs, though.

If they're a month old, they should be okay outside as long as it's above freezing. Give them boxes to hide in and to stay warm in. As long as they are dry and out of the wind, adult quail can handle below freezing temperatures quite well

 

[Orpigton]

It looks like the air temp at the bottom is about 66-67* I'm using straw and adding a new layer each dayView attachment 3427291View attachment 3427289View attachment 3427285View attachment 3427287View attachment 3427290View attachment 3427284

The new layer each day really only covers the mess in such a small space. For such small birds that is a lot dealer if it allows bacteria and other "bad things" to thrive. I have made this mistake to, I would recommend cleaning it out fully, and medicating all of them.

 

[Uncle Turk]

@Orpigton I'm not sure, there's not any blood in the droppings, and they seem to be eating and drinking ok, I do have some amprolium from a previous outbreak in my chickens

 

[Uncle Turk]

They should be on 28-30% protein feed until they are 10-12 weeks old, then they can drop to the 22% protein feed.

They should have at least 1 square foot per bird. The more space they have, the less they will stink and they will need cleaning less often.

Commercial breeders will put 3 birds per square foot, but they are on wire so they don't stand in their poop and get cleaned twice a day. Wire in general isn't good for their feet and legs, though.

If they're a month old, they should be okay outside as long as it's above freezing. Give them boxes to hide in and to stay warm in. As long as they are dry and out of the wind, adult quail can handle below freezing temperatures quite well

Ok, I'm working on getting something bigger, we are still below freezing at nights. Thank you

 

[Uncle Turk]

The new layer each day really only covers the mess in such a small space. For such small birds that is a lot dealer if it allows bacteria and other "bad things" to thrive. I have made this mistake to, I would recommend cleaning it out fully, and medicating all of them.

Ok, I will be changing it more often and I'll be going to town to go to tractor supply to get some better feed. thank you

 

[BYC910]

.Mine didn't like cold air at all .Hatched 45 got 5 left.

 

[Uncle Turk]

.Mine didn't like cold air at all .Hatched 45 got 5 left.

How cold was it and how old were they?

 

[Uncle Turk]

@007Sean Is there any treatment I should do to make sure the others don't have or get it?

Is this quick breathing a symptom?

Also Is this normal, for them to lay on their side like this

 

[007Sean]

There is no treatment for Aspergillosis, only prevention. Clean bedding, a strict sanitation regime will help in controlling the fungus and spore development.
No, it is not normal for them to lay on their side like in the picture, unless they are 'dust bathing'.

It could also be Infectious Coryza, here again, there is really no effective treatment, Eyrthromycin or Oxytetracycline may be administered to help relive symptoms. Once infected with IC and if the bird recovers, it will be a carrier for the rest of it's life.
Symptoms are nasal discharge, swollen face, eyes, and swelling of the infraorbital sinuses. They may also have diarrhea and a decrease in consumption of feed and water.

This having been said, I still think it's Aspergillosis.