CheerfulChirp
In the Brooder
I hatched out my second batch of quail chicks six days ago. I started out with 6 chicks, but 4 rapidly came down with what looked to be some kind of respiratory illness. They initially looked to be healthy, and were eating and drinking well, but on the third day they rapidly weakened and lay collapsed and panting in the brooder. It looked as though they had difficulty breathing. Three died that day, and one of the affected chicks initially appeared to completely recover for a few days. The other two chicks are healthy and strong.
I cleaned the brooder thoroughly and hoped for the best, but the chick that survived the first illness came down with more symptoms, different to before. These symptoms come and go gradually over several hours, so it's hard to tell whether the chick is recovering or dying. I'm offering water and hand-feeding every hour, and placing the chick under the heat lamp:
- Legs stiffened and outstretched, with the body straightened, as though the chick is trying to stretch out on tiptoes. The chick cannot stand or balance in this position unless it is leaning on bedding. Sometimes the legs shake slightly.
- Eyes are almost always closed, as though sleeping.
- The chick will readily and enthusiastically peck for water when it is offered. It seems very thirsty.
- The chick won't peck for food (perhaps because eyes are closed?), but if I place grated egg yolk in its beak it chooses to take it in and swallow it.
- Periods of weight loss when sick, but growth resumes when well - the breast bone is protruding quite a lot now though.
- Poo seems a little watery, but no blood or mucus, and it is a normal colour with a little white on one side.
- There isn't any swelling or discharge etc anywhere.
Does this sound like anything you recognise? Is there any treatment?
I cleaned the brooder thoroughly and hoped for the best, but the chick that survived the first illness came down with more symptoms, different to before. These symptoms come and go gradually over several hours, so it's hard to tell whether the chick is recovering or dying. I'm offering water and hand-feeding every hour, and placing the chick under the heat lamp:
- Legs stiffened and outstretched, with the body straightened, as though the chick is trying to stretch out on tiptoes. The chick cannot stand or balance in this position unless it is leaning on bedding. Sometimes the legs shake slightly.
- Eyes are almost always closed, as though sleeping.
- The chick will readily and enthusiastically peck for water when it is offered. It seems very thirsty.
- The chick won't peck for food (perhaps because eyes are closed?), but if I place grated egg yolk in its beak it chooses to take it in and swallow it.
- Periods of weight loss when sick, but growth resumes when well - the breast bone is protruding quite a lot now though.
- Poo seems a little watery, but no blood or mucus, and it is a normal colour with a little white on one side.
- There isn't any swelling or discharge etc anywhere.
Does this sound like anything you recognise? Is there any treatment?
what feed are you using? Percent of protein and is it medicated? 
