Yuckity Yuck!

[lottastuff9]

I have got my French Black Copper Marans all settled in their brooder. This is the same location and set up my other chicks have used. I tell you what this is the stinkiest batch of peeps I have ever seen.

These are my first chicks ordered online, all other chicks have been gotten locally. Is this normal for shipped chicks? Is it normal for the breed(these are my first Marans)? Does it implicate that there may be an underlying health problem? I have been changing bedding 3 times a day or so, first with the paper towels, now they have pine shavings and it still STINKS. I have been looking at bums each time I change it and see no pasty butt but someone(s) is having loose stool, and some is solid....

ALL IS STINKY!

 

[emys]

Shipped chicks seem to have more problems getting good digestion going.

Put in a small sand dish and get some good fresh green grass. Cut the grass up really really small. The enzymes in the grass will help set them right. I give them fresh grass a couple times per day (just a little at a time). If you happen to sprout your own wheat grass the stuff is great for little ones as it is so tender. JMHO

 

[lottastuff9]

Things are smelling a little better around here. I think you are right about the shipped chicks digestion--eww. I couldn't believe how stinky they were! They are not as stinky but more so than local chicks. I tried to put some little tiny grass pieces in there but they didn't eat them. They are just on their starter. I was thinking of trying some yogurt for their digestion but I have not been successful yet on chicks eating it..perhaps since these are different from all previous chicks they will like it.