Peachick Care

[konopswj]

I have two peachicks that are 3 weeks old. They are in a ¼” wire floor brooder. They are fed 18% medicated chick start on a paper plate switched out with fresh about 3 times a day. They get fresh water 3 times or more a day occasionally with vitamins and electrolytes in it. They are also kept at about 85 degrees currently.

Here’s my problem, one has had loose stool for 3 days now. Birds both seem fine and active, no messes on the bird itself. I just want to know if something needs done or changed before I’ve let it go too far or it becomes too late.

Please advise. Thanks.
Walter

 

[jimmythechicken]

Quote:

 

[plinkee]

Not sure I can help, but would have thought 18% - presuming its 18% protein seems a little low to me, i using give chicks a higher protein level in the form of pheasant feed which is about 29%. I don't generally give any special medication in their food or water and have a good success rate of handrearing chicks. Sorry, don't know what to suggest. Good luck

 

[arherp]

I would give them regukar water, bump up the temps on the warm side of the brooder, and give a MINIMUM of 24% feed.

 

[Phage]

Mix in a little bioactive yogurt in some of the feed. It helps the bowel flora. Works like a dream for me. I suspect it also supplies a bunch of trace elements that can only help.

I read we should not give more than 22% protein though to small chicks as it makes them grow too fast which causes serious leg problems. Higher protein is fine for later on. I give mine medicated start n'grow which I think is 18%

 

[arherp]

That's an interesting take.. I have always heard to treat peas like gamebirds, which require the higher protein for adequate growth.

 

[Phage]

One of the expert BYC "educators" was saying that a few weeks ago.

They need higher % later, but not as tiny chicks .... apparently too much causes problems

 

[arherp]

Hmm what is your definition of "later"? With the gamebirds I do from 1-12 weeks high protein. So how do you divide up the weeks and protein amounts?

 

[Phage]

Deerman says 20% chick starter:

I never put chicken with peafowl.........yes wet the chick starter , only feed them what they will eat(wet it will spoil quick) place food on Aluminum foil, that will help ,

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=6688104#p6688104

AND
get them on a medicated starter 20% or near that. agree blackshoulders , n.........

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=6592791#p6592791

I keep them on medicated chick starter until they are off wire.
Not exactly sure when you are meant to switch, but hopefully Deerman or someone will give us the "official" line.

 

[arherp]

Hmm that's interesting.. I hadn't heard of that before. The cut off point will be pretty important to know though, I guess?

And you didn't have to put up links, I believe you..