SICK Birds--Need Help Please... NEW to this

[joannnewbie]

I wanted to raise my flock as natural as possible, not with medicated feed or antibiotics. I researched many sites and suggestions for making your own feed. I found a recipe with about 17% protein, but since it would be for chicks I increased some of the grains with higher protein. My chicks are between 3 and 4 weeks old now. I bought a total of 10 chicks(sex link, Rhode Island Red, Aracuana, Barred Rock, Wyandotte) over a week period from a local feed store. Over the last 2 weeks I have lost 4 of the 10 and I am devastated. The first one (black sex link) that died wasn't as active but other than that didn't show any other signs that I picked up on. A second one (barred rock) passed a few days later with no symptoms up until the day she passed. At this same time, one of the smallest ones seamed weak so I used a dropper to give her water with a little sugar. I also would force feed her food, sometimes with yogurt or egg mixed in. For next week she bounced back and forth and finally passed last night (Aruacana). I also put one other one in with her; this one (Rhode Island Red) went from being normal to not could not keep her balance and kept falling over. I have been researching and found out that a deficiency in Thiamine (B1) can cause this; signs will usually show after a few weeks. I also found out that the main ingredient in the medicated chick feed to help get rid of Coccidiosis is amprollium which blocks thiamine. I called the feed store I bought the chicks from and they told me they feed the chicks medicated feed while they are at the store.

I am not confident that any of my chicks will survive. I am keeping the brooder at about 85 degrees now. I have added a small amount of Apple Cider Vinegar to their water. Yesterday I juiced up some Kale, Cauliflower and asparagus (all high in Vitamin B1). I gave each of them some of it in a dropper full. The one that was having the worst time falling over seemed better this morning but died this evening. Some of the remaining 6 seems a little less balanced and one is eating less than I would like. Tonight, I just went and bought some organic commercial chick feed. I cleaned out their brooder, and changed the feed to the store bought. They have chick grit available. I don't know what else I can try. Any advise would be really appreciated.

 

[SilkiesnFrizzle]

What does the poop look like?

 

[daoustaj]

I would give them chick electrolites in their water and mix yogurt into their food for the probiotics. Strengthen them up a bit hopefully. Also check their butts to make sure no poop is blocking the poo exit.

 

[joannnewbie]

I haven't done the electrolites yet, I will get some and try that. Thank you. I have added a little yogurt the last 2 or 3 days. I will keep that up. They are not pasted up, that did happen in the first week to a couple of them but they have been good for awhile. I will keep an eye out for that too. Thank you for the help!

 

[joannnewbie]

Mostly greenish and slightly runny. This evening I noticed it seemed more solid with white at the tips. What should I be looking for? What is best and worst?

Thank you for your help!!!

 

[missnu01]

3-4 week old chicks only need to be 70 degrees or so, and is it possible that you could just add some vitamins to their water to give the missing thiamine if that is the issue?

Also google chicken poop chart and it shows pictures of normal poo and poo to watch out for. Super helpful

 

[joannnewbie]

Thanks for tip on google poop chart, that is something I haven't checked out yet. I have started them on Organic chick starter feed also starting last night. My issue on the medicated feed (other than not being aware they started them on that) is that I am wondering if I needed to overcompensate for the thiamin in my recipe. But that is why I decided to go with the store bought Organic to be on the safe side. Thanks again.

 

[missnu01]

I use bagged chick starter. I've been getting something different every time I have to but more. So one time might be 20% next time 24% and sometimes game bird starter... Sometimes locally milled, sometimes chain brand, sometimes organic...and I have has zero issue. I would think that a few days medicated feed is very very unlikely to cause the issues you are seeing. My chicks are from the feed store, but haven't had medicated feed since. I bet you'll have better luck with bagged food, but then again some chicks just don't seem to make it. Some people have all kinds of issues, while some people have none. I don't know what the difference is, but you have to do what works for you and your chickens ultimately. Some people say that white heat lamps will make chickens eat each other, I've had no such issues using them, so on and so forth. People doing things totally different can both have awesome results or terrible results. 2 people doing the exact sane thing can also have different outcomes, so I think with most chicken related advice it's all subjective

 

[missnu01]

Also you say you used things to boost the protein, what did you use?

 

[joannnewbie]

I just increased the amounts of higher protein grains such Quinoa, sesame seeds and peas/lentils and slightly cut back on the Millet, corn and wheat that is lower in protein. I was able to take them outside yesterday to let them peck around in the grass and dirt for a little while. It was nice enough out (we live in Las Vegas). All of them looked really good while we were out there and seemed to be doing fairly well last night and this morning. I have been giving them some yogurt mixed with some grains or flax seeds a couple times a day for the last couple days. It is just small amounts (I don't leave the bowl in there) but I make sure each of them get some even if I have to pick them up to hand feed them. Their poop looked more solid this morning so I am really praying we are getting there. I have the white light. I was told either worked fine but after purchasing, heard the same thing, that I should have got the red light. So far my feed store has been out of the red light each time I have gone. Thankfully they don't seem to peck at each other. Thanks again for the info. I am glad I discovered this site. Everyone seems to be helpful.