Silkie thread!

[SundownWaterfowl]

Quote:
Are you positive its from the cold? Just asking because I have 3 month olds outside without heat lamps and am having no problems with them dying etc. Maybe try this. http://picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/13408276 I had to use that last winter with my dwarf silkie. Seemed to perk her up a bit.

 

[roocrazy]

if it was that cold outside and you brought them inside it could be from the great temp difference thats how i lost mine

 

[muddyhorse]

they have been inside for a week. I'm really frustrated. my weim is going down hill quickly also. I'm trying to decide if I need to take him in before Christmas or If he wants to stay awhile longer

 

[racuda]

Quote:
That's awful.

I too am wondering if it was because of the shock of the sudden temp difference inside. I have 10 week old Silkies and 8 week old Seramas outside with no heat. So far they have survived 14 degree nights.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
Describe your setup, and when this began.

 

[muddyhorse]

the birds are in the unfinished basement in two seperate cages that have solid bottoms and wire sides. I have had deaths in both cages. pop bottle waters I have seen them all drink from them so they know where they are they are on un medicated chick feed the same they have eaten since hatch. the basement is about 60 degrees. I have other chicks in brooders downstairs that have been unaffected.

 

[robin416]

Quote:
Has your weather been whipsawing all over the map?

My Silkies in the heated coop are doing great but my birds in my unheated coop are having some problems.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Pick up each bird and listen to its breathing. Do any sound congested? What temperature was it when you brought them inside? What do their droppings look like? What are you using for bedding? Have you checked for mites/lice?

I would add sulmet to their water. If cocci, it will treat it, and it is also an antibiotic that will treat many respiratory ailments. I would also spray them with Adams and/or treat with ivermectin. If I were betting, I would guess coccidiosis or external parasites.

 

[Sissy]

I have 6 silkies hatched nov. 6
with their maw. in a cage out ...inside the big coop which
is all wired but tarp cover... filled their small cage with wood chips
and straw and no heat, first time trying with no heat
and they are as frisky as new pups. after reading this
I hope I am doing right by them . if our weather
turns colder I may have to hook up the heat lamp.
although it was sunny today.and the sun gets
to their one side of the cage.
which the other half is covered with a small tarp.

 

[MeettheFlockers]

Thought I'd share some new pics of the kids...

Ginger Red Partridge Chick

Lav Pullet

Partridge Chicks