New to Quail - Poop Analysis

[BA-quail]

They're a bit young for mealworms, so I wouldn't give them any more until they're 4-6 weeks old, but it sounds like you're feeding them well. I wouldn't worry about a single foamy poop.

Ok thank you. Can you explain why mealworms is a problem at a younger age? I had tried to look up when they are appropriate previously and couldn't find a clear answer.

Any suggestions for appropriate treats at this age? Hoping to keep socializing them.

 

[BA-quail]

Definitely the treats in moderation at any age, and I would not feed any until after four weeks. We’ve hatched and raised a couple thousand Coturnix over the years and that’s normal for young quail. The game bird starter is 28-30% protein. Combined with the mealworms may be a little too much protein. Probiotic helps with most gut issues when only a couple weeks old.

Any recommendations on products/brands for probiotics?

 

[Cinch]

Any recommendations on products/brands for probiotics?

Save-a-chick
Electrolyte and Probiotic Is what we use. Made for chicken chicks, so we do half strength for young quail.

 

[Nabiki]

Ok thank you. Can you explain why mealworms is a problem at a younger age? I had tried to look up when they are appropriate previously and couldn't find a clear answer.

Any suggestions for appropriate treats at this age? Hoping to keep socializing them.

Mostly because balanced nutrition is very important for the first several weeks when they're growing so much. The feed should have the proper balance and you don't want to change the balance by adding treats.

 

[suspiciousmaxwell]

Thanks! Appreciate the analysis. The concept of cecal poops is new to me so your comments are helpful in learning to distinguish the difference.

Foamy poop was mentioned as potentially coming from mature males, but I saw this one yesterday and my quail are only 2 weeks old. Thoughts?

View attachment 3760799

I also would like to know whether this kind of poop, not white but foamy, is indicative of male sex in quail chicks before they are sexable by feathers or behaviors.