FrankenChicks and a trip to the ICU
We experienced the dreaded "leg problem" with one of the Cornish Cross chicks last weekend. Poor thing was unable to support itself and would sit on its back end with its legs sprawled out in front. After a bit a research, it appeared that this condition might be due to a vitamin B2 (riboflavin) deficiency. So we isolated the pitiful creature in the ICU - Ill Chicken Unit. The picture shows the ICU with freshly cut grass for bedding. In case you're wondering, we utilize an unused water tank for the ICU as well as for the brooder.In an effort to heal this bird, we used a triple-strength dose of Broiler Booster in the waterer and crushed a B complex vitamin over the feed for two days in a row. The next day after identifying the chick with the leg problems, I injured another chick moving the chicken tractor. So we had two lame chicks in the ICU for about 5 days. Well the good news is that both chicks have fully recovered and been returned to the chicken tractor. It goes against my scientific inclinations to share this information, acknowledging that correlation in no way proves causation. But this is our blog and it exists, in part, to share what we have learned with those who may be trodding the same path. This tidbit of information is no doubt worth every penny you paid for it. Wishing you and yours a productive weekend...
Keith
posted by The Bradshaws at 10:10 PM
6 Comments:
Thanks for sharing this information. We have approximately 120 chicks and 9 turkey chicks, losing one turkey this morning. Wish we had had the information earlier so we could have tried it out. Better set up an ICU of our own!
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Thanks for the information on dealing with the leg problem. We have tried several things to no avail.
Hi Keith,
I am glad to hear of someone have success in healing these leg problems. Did you have to tape the bad leg to the good leg or was the booster and vitamins enough?
Hopeful-
No taping involved. Nothing more complicated than what I described. Actually my 11yo son was the caregiver. I had to check with him to find out how he had implemented my suggestions. And again, I have very little confidence that anything we did, other than separating them from the crowd, was particularly efficacious.
Keith
Keith,
We have separated our injured chicks in the past and have had little success getting them healed unless they were very young. So, I tend to think something you did must have helped. I think we will try that booster this fall and see if it helps.
Because of this constant battle with injured legs we are considering switching breeds to something that grows slower and forages better. We like the cornish crosses meat and quick growth though.
Justin
Post a Comment
<< Home