Rhea Sick

[crimson1991]

Hi
I had four rheas that I have raised six chicks and were around 8 months old. Around a week ago I found one dead in the pasture. Nothing had seemed out of the ordinary and they are feed Mazuri crumbles. At the end of last week another one passed a way. Does any one have an idea of what might be wrong? They are fed crumbles, grapes, various greens and have an 8 acre pasture that they share with two 6 months Emus. I did notice in the last one it didn't eat the grapes nor eat her crumbles then was died. Any idea would be greatly appreciated as no one in the area has any knowledge or rheas.

 

[Calla]

Where are you situated and was there any sign of injuries.... wounds to the rheas ?

 

[crimson1991]

No injuries or anythjng. I did notice the last one didn't seem as interested in food.

 

[Calla]

Very strange, are the rest ok, ? are you in the states ? My Emus and Rheas have never been keen on crumbs or pellets, even as very young chicks.

 

[crimson1991]

Yes, I live in NC. I only have two left and they have always ate their food very quickly when it's out in their bowls. I haven't changed any of their diet but did notice this morning that the other white Rhea wasn't eating like it was yesterday.. normally they get their crumbles along with greens with a couple of grapes but today she was t that interested.

 

[Calla]

How very sad, hope she is doing better tomorrow.

Wish you luck and please be in touch.
Calla.

 

[birdeo]

Hi
I had four rheas that I have raised six chicks and were around 8 months old. Around a week ago I found one dead in the pasture. Nothing had seemed out of the ordinary and they are feed Mazuri crumbles. At the end of last week another one passed a way. Does any one have an idea of what might be wrong? They are fed crumbles, grapes, various greens and have an 8 acre pasture that they share with two 6 months Emus. I did notice in the last one it didn't eat the grapes nor eat her crumbles then was died. Any idea would be greatly appreciated as no one in the area has any knowledge or rheas.

how frustrating , please pay very close attention for anything out of the ordinary in the others ...runny eyes, wobbling gait... check the stools for blood, etc.
Is there anything in the pasture that could be a poisonous plant ? Are there any nails or screws laying around, loose string etc . that they could have swallowed ?
you have an animal disease lab in NC, may be a good idea..if you lose another one...to have a necropsy performed.

http://www.ncagr.gov/vet/ncvdl/VetLabDirectoryRaleigh.html

Until then, please consider an avian vet in your area to come by and check out the one that's going off feed .
http://www.aav.org/search/custom.asp?id=1803