Respiratory Issue

[Kiki]

I have now put them on chick feed and will move them to layer feed at 8 weeks old. Hoping this helps them. They are doing really well, other than the on and off sneezing and gasping. It lasts a short time, then they seem normal. So strange.

I wonder if the breathing issues your are seeing them breathing weird when they are stressed.

 

[AgeeM]

I wonder if the breathing issues your are seeing them breathing weird when they are stressed.

I’ve wondered that also

 

[AgeeM]

I don't think you are understanding that layer type feed has TOO MUCH calcium for chicks. It will cause problems. Do not switch them to it until they are much older than just 8 weeks.

Too much protein would 25% or 28% like what is sold in a turkey feed.

Chick feeds are usually 18 or 20% protein which is NOT TOO MUCH protein for chicks. It's what they need in order to grow correctly.

Indio gigantes need more calcium at about 4 weeks old because of how quickly and big they grow. They are not your typical chicken. They grow to be about 3-4 feet tall in a matter of months. If their legs can’t hold their upper body, then they can’t walk. This is why you reduce their protein and increase their calcium. That much I do know.