Was hoping to get some input on what might be
troubling one of my MQ. It is the smallest, and I think
the last to hatch- (not sure, as one of them got it's
leg band off early, and had to make a choice and
reband one)
It had what appeared to be a pasty butt early this
morning, and I cleaned him off, making sure his vent
was open and able to perform. i noticed he was having
difficulty, and straining a bit trying to poop. There is
some watery looking leakage, and a bit sour smelling.
I haven't seen him eat this morning, and he stands under
the lamp, trying not to lay down, with his eyes closed.
I gave him water at the fount, making sure he had
something. He seems extremely tired, but refuses to
lay down. I have had them on game starter since about the
3rd day, and continue with an additional top dressing
of boiled egg yolk. He stands with his wings a bit droopy, too.
Help, One of My Mountain Quail is Puny
Sounds like he has some kind of blockage--maybe an intersussception where their intestines sort of double-up on themselves. If so, I don't think you can do anything for him. Just watch closely and make sure none of the other chicks show any symptoms in case it is something else.
Good luck with the poor little fellow!
Thanks, Cat, I am concerned for the possibility
of a blockage, also. He is such a fighter, though. I have
not seen him lay down once today, and have given
him some gruel. I know this would be useless if
there is a blockage, but we'll see. Cleaned his
pasty butt again, just in case he can use it properly.
He is so wobbly, but refuses to give up. I've named
him Rudy, he's little, but tough.
And sometimes they do turn around--Riley my wry-necked Silkie was very near death when I finally figured out he needed Vit E and Selenium. And one of my original cockerels was very weak from what I thought was cocci, but suddenly recoverd and was fine. Let us know how he does.
I let little Rudy go this morning. He was still fighting
to stay on his feet, and still struggling to poop.
So, I think you were probably right, Cat. Poor
little one, I won't forget him. The other 3 mq are
doing very well- twice the size of Rudy.
I'm so sorry, truest. Sometimes it seems the ones with problems are the most endearing:0(