Please help? Newly hatched quail just sleeping

[PastelBirb]

Check out the Quail Hatch a Long thread. It's really long, but there is so much good information in there.

I've actually been reading that thread from the start for weeks and I'm at page 457 right now! I agree, there's tons of great info there!

 

[bhaugh]

Take the shirt out. Quail chicks don't need the fluff and you risk one leaving the light source and die. Too risky and the poo can create a bacteria issue.

Put a temp gauge in the broader so you know what the temp is. Smaller brooders can get too hot and without having a place to escape chicks can die. You'll find they poop alot and you'll need bedding that drys quickly.

 

[PastelBirb]

I changed a lot of things after they all hatched out since it was way too small haha. The shirt got disgusting real fast and was thrown out, bigger tote, and I just change the paper towels often

 

[bhaugh]

I changed a lot of things after they all hatched out since it was way too small haha. The shirt got disgusting real fast and was thrown out, bigger tote, and I just change the paper towels often

I use wood pellets. They work well and keep the smell down

 

[PastelBirb]

I used wood pellets for my adult quails.. it worked well. When can you start using something other than paper towels for chicks? I wanted to have bedding but I was afraid they would scratch out all their food then be unable to find the food and starve!

 

[CovidtimeQuail]

I use poultry bedding from the very start. Food goes on a paper plate so they can find it. Water container gets moved to an elevated platform by the 5th day so they don't kick bedding in and drain it accidentally.

 

[Nabiki]

I used wood pellets for my adult quails.. it worked well. When can you start using something other than paper towels for chicks? I wanted to have bedding but I was afraid they would scratch out all their food then be unable to find the food and starve!

I transfer mine to the shavings and large brooder within 3 days. Sometimes as little as 2.

 

[PastelBirb]

I need to buy some shavings or wood pellets.

I have lost a few chicks due to health problems or accidents.. currently I have 4 chicks. They all looked healthy but one of them recently started breathing heavily and often runs to other quail to cuddle and sleep (tries to go under them). They are about 1 week and a couple days old. It has been eating and drinking but it's sleeping more often now. It's vent is clear. It chirps loudly often and doesn't run away when being picked up while the others freak out and will cuddle into my hand and sleep in the warmth. It continues to chirp, makes small gasping movements and breathe heavily while in my hands. It's 90F-80F one end to the other. I change out the paper towels 1-2 times a day and change out the water 2-4 times a day depending if I work.

Anyone have any ideas?

 

[kurby22]

I need to buy some shavings or wood pellets.

I have lost a few chicks due to health problems or accidents.. currently I have 4 chicks. They all looked healthy but one of them recently started breathing heavily and often runs to other quail to cuddle and sleep (tries to go under them). They are about 1 week and a couple days old. It has been eating and drinking but it's sleeping more often now. It's vent is clear. It chirps loudly often and doesn't run away when being picked up while the others freak out and will cuddle into my hand and sleep in the warmth. It continues to chirp, makes small gasping movements and breathe heavily while in my hands. It's 90F-80F one end to the other. I change out the paper towels 1-2 times a day and change out the water 2-4 times a day depending if I work.

Anyone have any ideas?

I don’t want to be negative, but what you describe sounds like a chick that may have some internal issues that are not good. I’ve lost two baby quail and a baby chicken with very similar symptoms. They get just passed the window where I think they’re good and healthy and then all the sudden seem tired and gasping more for air and generally too docile. I’d try some electrolyte water and lots of love. I hope I’m wrong and it’s just a bit needy for extra nutrients!