KaldakurFarm
In the Brooder
I have a group of chicks that are approximately 2-3 weeks old (two hatches brooding together) that started rump feather picking yesterday. I put Blue Kote on all of them immediately, thinking someone was being a bully. Then I noticed that they were picking themselves... not sure if it was because of the Blue Kote. I had been treating for Coccidia with Amprolium as a preventative measure, as I think my older chicks (brooded separate) had been hit with it. Everyone got treated just in case. The other odd thing was that I did have two breeds of chicks brooding together. Only one breed was affected, my beloved Bielefelders of course. I separated the breeds as a precautionary measure - but does anyone have any ideas on what might be causing this? I do not see any abnormal droppings. Nobody seems lethargic, or too hot or too cold. Everyone is eating and drinking normally (they are on the .006% dose of Amprolium at this point. Brooder was stripped and rebedded a couple days ago with fresh pine shavings. I mist the barn down with Oxine a couple times a week. I'm going to try changing the lamp to a red bulb, but any other suggestions or treatment ideas would be appreciated. Thank you!
