What's up with my chicks?

[Lubz]

Where did you get these chicks? I can see at least one cockerel and I can envisage you having significant problems keeping 4 of them indoors in a flat once they are grown, especially once that guy starts crowing.

I would make porridge with the oats rather than feed it dry as that will help to break it down in the absence of grit and mix in scrambled egg or a bit of tuna (in oil rather than brine, because too much salt is not good). Pouches of cat food will help to increase the protein level too.

The one that is cheeping all the time may have pasty butt, so check that out....the vent (anus) gets plugged with poop and needs to be bathed and oiled to clear the blockage otherwise it will die. A crop or gizzard impaction is also a risk with an inappropriate diet, especially when they have not had access to grit, so check their crop (the pouch in their neck where they store food) at night when it should be full and then remove access to food until you have checked it again in the morning, when it should be empty. If it is not emptying, then you have an impaction (blockage) somewhere. Gently massaging the crop may help to break it up and get things moving but as others have said, getting their diet sorted, pronto, is essential. I have no idea of what feed stores may be available in London so your best bet may well be to order something online as others have mentioned. Or perhaps a local pet shop may be able to order something in for you, so go speak to them. Or go to a local allotment site today (Sunday is always a good day for people at allotments) and listen for the sound of chickens and go talk to people about where they get their feed. At a push they may sell or even give you a little feed to tide you over (take a plastic bag with you and offer to buy a few scoops from them). Even if they only have "layer pellets", that will do for a few days until you get some chick crumb or grower pellets. I would soak the pellets in water so they break down to make a porridge consistency. There is extra calcium in layer feed that your chicks don't need and it can do damage to their kidneys long term, but it will not hurt them for a few days and be better than their current diet. They might also have a little grit you can cadge....but make sure it is grit and not oyster shell, which is essentially extra calcium.

Good luck with them but I think you may be headed for some heartache.....but then as everyone who has kept chickens for a while knows, is an inevitable part of chicken rearing.

Regards

Barbara

I got the chicks from a hatchery up in Luton. I'll be able to get some feed in 3 days. Thank you for all the help! I'm moving next year and the new place is going to have a garden for the chicks and hen.