Quail leg problem

[DaringQuack]

Hi everyone I'm a new quail parent here and I just encountered some problem with my 12 day old chicks that I can't find similar threads. So I hatched 2 quails from the supermarket but one had curled toes which was fixed and the other was perfectly fine.

I read online that I need game bird feed but the only feed the store have is chicken feed which is sold in large bags. So I fed them crushed hard boil eggs, sesame seeds and finely chopped meat hoping they have enough proteins. Also I gave them baby grass and oats occasionally.

Fast forward about 9 days after the hatch, the once curled toe chick wasn't growing, started limping while the other chick only 'crawls' but they ate and was active as usual. I did some research and added vitamin b complex and sugar in their water and gave them crushed egg shells for calcium.

They next day they can get back on their feet to walk but they would only walk few steps then sit back down. 2 days after there isn't any progress. I got a feeling that's they need more nutrition. Their feet isn't swollen.

Does anyone know what is wrong with them?

 

[le_bwah]

I'd rule out nutritional deficiency first. See if you can get some vitamins from a feed or pet store (poultry Nutri-drench is great if you can find it). Human liquid vitamins for babies (preferably iron-free) can also be given safely.

It might also be the stock the eggs came from. Commercial egg layers are rarely well looked after and their chicks may be more prone to genetic defects due to careless breeding.

Hopefully other users chime in soon. I wish you and your chicks luck!

 

[Nabiki]

My guess would be malnutrition. Can you get turkey starter? Will your store special order something like Purina Startena for you?

Can you upload a video to YouTube and post a link here?

 

[DaringQuack]

I'd rule out nutritional deficiency first. See if you can get some vitamins from a feed or pet store (poultry Nutri-drench is great if you can find it). Human liquid vitamins for babies (preferably iron-free) can also be given safely.

It might also be the stock the eggs came from. Commercial egg layers are rarely well looked after and their chicks may be more prone to genetic defects due to careless breeding.

Hopefully other users chime in soon. I wish you and your chicks luck!

The feed 'store' near me is just a warehouse for the chicken feed. There is a pet store 25 to 30 mins away from me and they most likely only have dog and cat stuff so I'll check the pharmacy for baby vitamins.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[DaringQuack]

My guess would be malnutrition. Can you get turkey starter? Will your store special order something like Purina Startena for you?

Can you upload a video to YouTube and post a link here?

It's only likely that I use chicken feed then give meat for extra protein. Only chicken feed available near me as turkeys are not common where I live.

Here's the link:

 

[NY Coturnix]

The feed 'store' near me is just a warehouse for the chicken feed. There is a pet store 25 to 30 mins away from me and they most likely only have dog and cat stuff so I'll check the pharmacy for baby vitamins.

Thanks for the reply.

I have the same issue trying to get Game Bird starter. I talked to the manager at my local Tractor Supply because they were carrying and stopped. Anyway I was told 2 weeks ago that you can now order and get free at home delivery of feed not carried in the store. I haven't ordered any yet but that could be an option. Its not going to be enough for your chicks but another option would be to go with a meet bird crumble. Its exactly the same size food as the Game Bird starter. The one my TSC sells is 22 percent protein and seems to be fine for my adults. I would think you could use this and add the scrambled eggs and be fine.

By fine I mean with the protein needed not the leg issues. Sorry I can't help with that

Good luck

 

[DaringQuack]

I have the same issue trying to get Game Bird starter. I talked to the manager at my local Tractor Supply because they were carrying and stopped. Anyway I was told 2 weeks ago that you can now order and get free at home delivery of feed not carried in the store. I haven't ordered any yet but that could be an option. Its not going to be enough for your chicks but another option would be to go with a meet bird crumble. Its exactly the same size food as the Game Bird starter. The one my TSC sells is 22 percent protein and seems to be fine for my adults. I would think you could use this and add the scrambled eggs and be fine.

By fine I mean with the protein needed not the leg issues. Sorry I can't help with that

Good luck

Appreciate the reply. I clicked the link but it says access denied.

 

[Nabiki]

It's only likely that I use chicken feed then give meat for extra protein. Only chicken feed available near me as turkeys are not common where I live.

Here's the link:

I'm not a vet, so take this with a grain of salt, but I'm still leaning towards malnutrition. I could be a genetic issue as well, but based on what you've said, I'm thinking food. Can you get some dried crickets or something? Mealworms aren't out of the question, but they are pretty high in fat. I wouldn't give them any more meat.

 

[NY Coturnix]

Appreciate the reply. I clicked the link but it says access denied.

Sorry that was just my abbreviation for Tractor Supply. FYI I tried to have 2 bags shipped to the store using their web site an hour ago. 16.99 for 40 pound bag but then they wanted to charge me $23 to have it shipped TO THE STORE. I'm going to swing through the store in the next couple days because that's not what the manager told me.

 

[FloorCandy]

Imo, and I’m no expert, you should certainly give them extra vitamins. I’ve had great success treating balance and walking issues with vitamin e. they aren’t growing well. At that age, they should be smoothly feathered everywhere but the head, and the small one should be larger. They should both be fat around the body so the heads look disproportionately small until their adult feathers come in. Even when Ive had birds who feather slowly, they’re still chubby around the middle by that age. The small one is concerning because his gait is very abnormal, it’s more like he’s skating, pushing to the sides. I know some people mix chicken feed with scrambled eggs, Meal worms, or cat food.

what is your location? Can you get Amazon or Chewy deliveries? If you can, I can recommend some feeds you can order.