well this is depressing

[Thelonious]

I recently purchased 4 chicks. 1 Delaware, 1 Leghorn, and 2 Americaunas. I already have 4 other 3.5 month olds that are doing great. Well, the leghorn and the delaware are doing just fine, but the Americaunas are not growing feathers and are 5 - 6 weeks old. The people I bought them from said they have NEVER seen anything like this. He gave some suggestions, but they seemed a little forced and unsure about even that. Said to feed them Nutrina. Or that it could be parasites. But they were raised with the other 2 who are now outside, they are looking good. Any ideas? Anyone ever seen this happen?

 

[LaceyMae]

I have no idea, but I would love to see some pictures.

 

[Thelonious]

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[Thelonious]

 

[Thelonious]

Just sad :/

 

[RoseMarie1]

do you have them on any vitamins and electralytes? and are they still under a heat lamp?

 

[CrazyChixLady]

When we bought our four Ameracaunas at about eight weeks old, they were nearly bare on their backs underneath the wings, but the wings were developing just fine. They looked nothing like that.

Personally, I would cull them both. They don't look well formed, especially the second one's wings. My philosophy is cull the sick or weak in order to have the best flock possible.

Keep us updated, though, and happy thoughts your way.

 

[SobbaChickens]

How are they behaving? Do they eat and drink normally?

 

[Thelonious]

They act perfectly normal. And yes we give them electrolytes. The vitamins are mixed in with the food. The heat lamp stays on, though I've had to raise it. It's almost June. We don't know what to do.

 

[LaceyMae]

I'm going out on a limb here. I think you may be dealing with genetic issues. There is no need to cull just yet as long as you do not intend to breed them. I would be curious as to what they turn out like. If they were mine, I would give them more protein in the way of catfood, tuna, meat scraps, etc. or upgrade the feed to a higher %. I would also give them some unflavored gelatin in their food to help with the feather growth. Then wait and see. You may end up with a new mutation and grow your own new breed!

Please do keep us posted!